It’s that time again, when we get to report on the data that really matters. Forget about w/kg, vDOT, or your LTHR…let’s talk about giving real money to organizations that are making a difference in the lives of others and improving the quality of life for us all.

Every month in 2011, Endurance Nation has pledged to award member or training plan athletes who are racing to raise money for a particular charity.  So far in 2011 we’ve donated $5000 to our athletes’ charities of choice. Our 2011 annual commitment is $24,000 — a lot in some ways, but not enough in others.

Please review the organization below and the amazing athlete that supports them. If you have the time and the means, we’d appreciate you continuing what these he has started by adding a contribution via his individual donation page.

April 2011 KickStart Recipients

Kim DuBord, The Ulmari Cancer Fund for Young Adults (Help Kim make a difference here.)

“I have had several friends and family members affected by cancer.  Last year I raised over $600 for the V Foundation for Cancer Research and this year I’m looking to raise $750 (or more) for The Ulman Cancer Fund as part of my participation in Rev3 Quassy on June 4th.”

Christy Beal, Back on My Feet (Help Christy make a difference here.)

“Back on My Feet is an organization started in Philadelphia by Anne Mahlum, a local runner. The first time that I heard interviews with Anne on NPR I fell in love with the program. Instead of providing money, shelter or food, Anne provides confidence and inspiration to homeless men and women through running. The program creates running communities at local shelters. Members that run consistently for 6 to 9 months are then connected with job training housing and employment opportunities.

I am familiar, as are all runners, with how setting a race goal and reaching for that goal every day has positively transformed many other aspects of my life.  This year, I wanted to challenge myself to a higher goal, and in doing so support a cause that has inspired me.

This July I am running a total of 25.2 miles as part of a 126 mile relay to support Back on My Feet. Each of our five team members will run an 8.4 mile loop 3 times. The relay will start at 10 AM on July 16th and end at 10 AM on July 17th. I have never run more than 13 miles, nor have I ever raced for charity before but I am ready for the challenge. Your donation of $250 will go a long way towards my goal of $1000 and start my fundraising run off on the right ‘foot’.

Thank you for providing the Charity Kickstart Program, I would have never considered trying to fundraise without your inspiration. “

Jim Snow, LIVESTRONG (Help Jim make a difference here.)

“I’ve lost too many family members and friends to this disease [cancer].  I’m gonna be out there doing the miles anyway…might as well try and make ’em count for some others as well. I have another friend doing IMMoo this year and he’s raising money as well.  Would be great to have an army of IM distance racers all raising money for their miles!!

The above fundraising page link is actually for a 100-mile ride I’ll also be doing in Philly (as to avoid any confusion with my Ironman® racing).  The folks at LIVESTRONG wanted this page to be the central point at which I can solicit donations.

Learn more can be about my team at http://www.livestrongironman.org and our FB page.”