I am gearing up to take on my newest challenge with TNT -- CYCLE! This will require more time, training, fundraising and in the end: increase my impact! The event is called the America's Most Beautiful Bike and is a 100 mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe! The race will take place on June 3rd and will feature some challenging elevation changes! (Did I mention I dislike hills?)

Within the last 3 months, I have acquired a bike, indoor bike trainer, goofy padded bike shorts and a new found love for CYCLE! For those of you who know me well - I always say that at the end of the day, "I would rather be running!" Not this time!

(Picture of my Aunt Barb and I after my FIRST half marathon. She is the person who inspired me to GO the distance! THANK YOU!)

My PERSONAL HERO - Grandpa John Poppe

One might say I have a competitive side ... (lots of smirks happening right now, I am sure) ... I am using this to my advantage this season by pushing myself to try new things and raise money/awareness for LLS!

Will you joining me in my fight against blood cancer by making a $50 donation today? Thank in advance for taking the time to read through this!

WE ARE RELENTLESS FOR A CURE!

GO TEAM!

“SPIN out to BEAT out Cancer!” on April 15th from 7am - 11am at Burn Studio

WHAT: “SPIN out to BEAT out Cancer!” is a stationary cycling competition and fundraising event that will go to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Teams of 2 to 6 members will ride spin bikes for a total of four hours, with each member riding for at least one 30 minute heat. All ...proceeds made from this event will go to benefit LLS!

WHO: “Spin out to beat out Cancer!” is open to all community members, friends and family over the age of 18 who are in the physical conditioning to participate in at least 30 minutes of stationary cycling.

WHERE: Burn Studio in Gahanna, Ohio

WHEN: Sunday, April 15th, 2012 You will need to register for the event by no later than Wednesday April 11th, 2012 in order to secure your spot at this event. To register officially simply make a donation to this page under "donate now" and title your name as "SpinOut - Team(Insert Name)". The challenge begins at 7:00AM and ends at 11:00AM.

HOW: Participants must register as a TEAM by Wednesday, April 11th, 2012. Funds must be submitted prior to event. We will be giving out three awards: Highest Mileage Completed by 2, 4 or 6 person teams.

Team of 2 people must donate 30/each rider

Team of 4 people must donate 15/each rider

Team of 6 people must donate 10/each rider

** CHEAPER THAN MOST 5K RACES AND ALL THE PROCEEDS MADE FROM THIS EVENT WILL GO TO BENEFIT LLS!

There are 16 spin bikes available - be sure to register early to solidify your spot in the event! Unable to make it but would like to make a donation? Please click "donate now" to donate directly to the cause!

*Not looking to compete, but would like to give back and get a great workout? Reserve a spot today on one of our 8 bike trainers for $10/hour! Every dollar counts!

We will be providing food/beverages throughout the event to fuel you through the four hour event! Please come prepared with water bottles – as you will need them! There will be a projector screen playing videos to keep you visually entertained - as well as heart pumping beats to keep your legs pedaling!

Prizes will include gift cards to local running stores/bicycle shops/and much more! Interested in finding out how you can get involved? Please contact Alysia Smith at AlysiaDSmith@gmail.com or 614.203.0698.

Hey Supporters,

I have officially completed my goal of a century ride ... around some pretty hilly terrain. The views were amazing to say the least - you can see for yourself by checking out the following video made by our Coach Tim Hamburger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9rh4fl7G-g&feature=youtu.be

This is Emerald Bay ... after making the first and hardest climb of the day - you are met by this well deserved view!

We took the bike path option down to Trukee - I feel relaxed just looking at this picture!

This is my fearless leader, Coach Tim Hamburger! I don't think he knows I took this picture yet ... but this is right before he told me to look to the right and checkout how close our hotel was. He told me "Only three more miles to go, Alysia!" At that moment, I could feel tears roll down my cheeks.

I accomplished both of my goals: complete a century ride AND raise money for vital research. Let's be honest, I couldn't have done it without each and everyone of you. For that, THANK YOU!

-Alysia Smith

This is a group pic of the Tahoe/Vegas Team last weekend ... can't believe we leave for Tahoe tomorrow morning!!!!

I just realized that I have been fundraising for just over a month - and have managed to raise over $2k!!!! This weekend, I did a Happy Hour will fellow teammate Sarah Rooney AND a roadblock with Jeremy, Charity, Peter, Kim, Bonnie, Rachael and Jenni! Busy busy bee ... but I am proof that raising money isn't that hard! I decided on a whim to do the century ride around Lake Tahoe a month ago - and I will hit my goal before Balance Due. The fundraising goal was by no means small .. but completely doable :-) So what's holding you back? Join today :-)

Jess(Vegas), Myself, Tim(Coach), Bill(Vegas?), Noah(Tahoe), and John(Tahoe)

This is the Capital City Half Marathon TEAM 2012!!!!

This race was in honor of my Grandpa John Poppe. Felt good to know you had my back the whole way through the humid weather!!

These are various pics from the race .. one with Michael Martino .. surviving the humidity alone and then with George Kalec!

George and I crossed the finish line together!!! Rough day, but we made it!!