And here's a little about Lauren!

LAUREN: Last year’s LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin was my first time to be back on a bike since I was a kid. When Jen asked me to consider doing the 40-mile ride with her, I thought why not? It’s for a great cause and it’s a good way to get some exercise. Deep down, I must admit that I was a little intimidated by the distance. Plus, I didn’t even have a bike to ride. Luckily, I was fortunate to borrow a hybrid bike from a friend (Thank you, Steph!) and was able to train and fundraise for the event. Through my job last year, I worked the LAF booth at most of the LIVESTRONG Village sites. However, being an event participant was such an amazing experience that it inspired me to ride again.

This year, I am challenging myself to ride 70 miles, which means that I am also in search of my very own road bike. I am educating myself about frame sizes and bike components, have visited nearly every bike shop in Austin and am looking into previously owned bikes too. I am also grateful to have a handful of friends who are pretty knowledgeable about bikes (Thank you – Kim, Chris, Rodney, Michael B. and Lisa!) and don’t mind all of my questions. After the initial sticker shock of road bike prices wore off, I knew that saving up to get new bike would also be a challenge.

I am eager to start training again and to start fundraising too. I raised a little more than $2,500 for the LAF last year and I am not sure if I can top that, but it will sure be fun to try.

I hadn’t thought about this earlier, but this year’s ride in Austin occurs on my two year wedding anniversary. I mentioned this to my husband earlier today and he might join me and Jen on our ride. He’s much faster on a bike than we are, but it would be nice to have him join us. We’ll see what happens!

A friend shared this quote with me a while back and it really spoke to me. I hope it speaks to you too.

Above all, challenge yourself. You may well surprise yourself at what strengths you have, what you can accomplish.--Cecile M. Springer