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 $8,000 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 their individual donation page.

Astrid Tuin, Alzheimer’s Association (Help Astrid made a difference here.)

“My grandmother had Alzheimer’s for the last several years before she passed.  It’s a horrible disease, and it was very sad to see her change to the point where she wouldn’t recognize her own husband anymore and being in need of someone to look after her 24/7.  There is no cure for Alzheimer’s even though promising research is underway.

I raised funds for another charity in 2009, and thought it was a great way to contribute a little.  With this cause being closer to my heart, I really want to aim high and raise a lot of money for the Alzheimer’s Association this year!”

Dave Campbell, National MS (Help Dave made a difference here.)

“This is a great event to raise funds to develop a cure for MS.  My best friend’s wife struggles with MS every day.  He introduced me to the sport of triathlon and I ride in her honor and work to raise money so that hopefully some day she and others can get relief from this disease.”

Joe Matchette, Breast Friends Forever (Help Joe make a difference here.)

“I found a lump in my wife’s breast six weeks before I raced Wisconsin last year; we then received the no-kidding diagnosis two days before the race.  Needless to say, my family’s lives have now revolved around cancer in addition to everything else a family has going on.  A local support organization has affiliated with BreastFriendsForever to provide any and all kinds of support to families that are dealing with Breast Cancer. I want to help other families, especially those less fortunate than us, deal with the turmoil/upheaval/chaos/confusion associated with a breast cancer diagnosis.”

John Withrow, Reserve Aid (Help John make a difference here.)

“ReserveAid is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that makes need based grants to military families who have a Reservist or National Guard member on full time deployment or who has recently returned from deployment to a combat zone or homeland security position.

I was a founding member of ReserveAid and have served on its Board of Directors since inception.  I was not a triathlete looking for a charity to support.  I was dedicated to this charity and went in search of a fundraiser which led me to doing an Ironman.

I never served in the military, but both of my grandfathers did.  I have a huge respect for those who serve our great country and this is my small way to serve by simply raising money to help those with financial hardships due to their service.”

Kevin Mepham, Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire (Help Kevin make a difference here.)

“As a parent of two young children dealing with the usual childhood struggles, I can only imagine what it must be like for a child who wakes up every morning to struggle with a life-threatening illness.  If my few hours of suffering on the race course can bring a few hours of joy to a special child, that’s a cause worth racing for.”