Introduction It’s July, which in my house means the Tour de France. It’s on when I wake up in the morning, and I often go to bed with the day’s highlights on the television. One can’t help but marvel at the fitness, skill, and intensity of these athletes. Even the least skilled rider in the Tour is a more finely tuned athlete than anyone I know. The stamina and concentration exhibited by these riders over 21 days of bicycle racing is incredibly impressive. They are, of course, professional riders who are paid to compete for a team that represents some corporate entity; they are also well trained, coached, and supported in their athletic efforts. However, for an athlete to make it to this competition level requires not only tremendous determination but good genetics. In the 70s, without maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), these athletes wouldn’t have a chance. Today, the vast majority of the population does not have the time, the coaching, the support, the skills, the stamina, or the genetics to exercise at this level. Yet somehow many get themselves to the gym or out on the road, or, in my case, onto an elliptical trainer 3 to 5 days per week. For those efforts, many of us are healthier and happier. As a family physician, I try to take the approach of the late George Sheehan, MD, who titled one of his essays, “Every Patient is an Athlete.” With that perspective in mind, I have cared for some incredible athletes. Their stories of overcoming the odds to maintain physically active lifestyles and even compete are inspiring. They may not have the VO2max of Lance Armstrong, but they have his determination. These are the individuals that inspire and motivate me to help others achieve a physically active lifestyle.