The Tour De France, arguably may be the hardest sport of all time, and Lance Armstrong probably one of the most conditioned athletes ever. But, how is it possible for a man on the door step of death to be able to overcome cancer, return and win seven races in a row? Only in the end, retire on top as a winner he so right fully deserves.

How many wonder? How can any human being bounce back after such set back and compete let alone win one of the hardest sporting events possible? Why, others will ask? Why would a man want to put is mind and body through such tests? Is it a new lease on life? Is it a second chance, or is an obsession in the soul?

Many who live to compete in sporting events marvel at those who consistently rise to the occasion. But, all of us like a story. A story of triumph, especially when it has to do with human will power.

Being a fitness buff I always like to categorize what certain characteristics one may have in order to do what they do. Lets look at a few that Lance Armstrong probably has:

1. Passion: You have to be sold out to doing what you want to accomplish. You understand at the start that you will have good days and not so good days.

2. Respect for the sport: You understand that the sport is much larger than you. You have the attitude each day that it is you chancing the sport not the sport living for you.

3. Willingness to learn: Each day will be an opportunity to learn something about you, the sport and the process.

4. Work smarter not harder attitude: It is not the one who necessarily works the hardest day in and day out. It is the one who continues to learn how to be more efficient in their craft.

5. Master the mental game first: The biggest and most challenging events, courses and obstacles are not the ones we run on but the ones we think upon. You must first win over the events in your head before you can win on the paths to victory.

6. Know when to quit: Winning has a lot to do with how you bow out as much as it does to entering your first event. Compete for the sport, not for your ego!

7. Learn from the best: Always have someone to whom you can learn more things about your sport from.

8. Surround yourself with winners: You are only as good as those around you. Develop a good support team around you.

9. Eat to Win: Practice great nutritional habits. To be at your best, you must fuel the system that will take you there.

10. When others say no, you say yes: Refuse to be normal. Be the best you can be. Never settle for less than you can give.

We all may never accomplish what Lance Armstrong has overcome; however, we all have our own journeys to pursue. Achieving them is maybe more of a matter of will rather than what each of us are dealt with. For today you may say, how come? Tomorrow you may think how far?