As Outside Magazine Editor, Mike Roberts has access to the stories of the top outdoor athletes in the world and to their wisdom as well. He's seen Kelly Slater, "the Michael Jordan of surfing," heal his life through the zen of the water, and age gracefully through his sport. He has also seen top climbers act boldly, but with a skill honed through the culmination of years of dedicated practice. Through these stories we can garner how to be a better human, how to risk without risking it all, how to truly be alive and not just live. Lessons: 1. In tough times you can either be afraid or think "what an interesting time to be in" and seek creative solutions. 2. Use the lessons that you find in pursuit of your passion in the other areas of your life to help make you a whole person. 3. Excellence in sport doesn't necessarily have to waver once you reach middle age: for one thing, you often gain the wisdom to keep going, to learn to suffer a bit better.