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We Are SupermanAuthor: Bill Stahl
Founded by David Clark, a former 320-pound alcoholic, drug addict, food junkie turned accomplished endurance athlete, bestselling author, plant-based fighter, and happiness warrior. Ultramarathoner and coach Bill Stahl is continuing David's legacy to bring you inspirational stories of ordinary people overcoming alcoholism, addiction, obesity, or catastrophic injuries or illnesses to accomplish epic achievements like running ultramarathons, climbing Everest, etc. We also bring you world-class athletes and others involved in the endurance sports space, medical providers, and others who can help you up your own game in athletics as well as in life so you feel, look, and perform better. As David said, we will help you look into the far side of the universe where anything is possible and all things are eventual. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Sports Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#398 - We Are Adam Popp, an Amputee Veteran Finishes His First Leadville
Episode 29
Thursday, 8 October, 2026
Send us Fan MailThere are always numerous huge triumphs at the Leadville Trail 100. Watch the last two hours before the 30-hour cutoff and you will see the bulk of finishers, and every one of them has a story and has made considerable sacrifices to be there. Whether they are a rookie or 31-time finisher Eric Pence. Some are rebounding from addiction, obesity, or serious illnesses or injuries, or running to remember someone they lost. Over the next two weeks I’ll be highlighting two of my favorite stories. First up is the remarkable Adam Popp, who had his first Leadville finish in a time of 28:31:50, while running on a prosthetic leg. Adam has distinguished himself as a runner after serving this country in Afghanistan, where he was an EOD, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialist. Adam suffered severe injuries when a roadside bomb exploded, which he described in WASP episode #209 in May, 2022. Adam appeared again in episode #314 in September, 2024, chatting about the slew of incredible Guinness world records he set on treadmills at distances up to ultramarathons. He has excelled on the roads and smoother trails, with impressive achievements like setting a 100-mile amputee world record of 16:13:43, and winning the T61/63 division of the Boston Marathon. He has also run the venerable JFK 50 Mile seven times and completed an Ironman triathlon in 11:03:06. However, mountain trails called to him, and he ran but did not finish the Western States 100 in 2025. Leadville was a different story, and Adam, who is 47, describes the challenges that he faced and overcame running Hope Pass and other tough terrain on a prosthetic blade that doesn’t have four-way mobility like our ankles do. We also discuss how the course change due to the Willow Fire impacted his race, and about other issues facing amputee athletes racing away from the track. I hope Adam’s tenacity opens you up to what possibilities exist when you put your mind to it.Adam PoppInstagram @eodpoppFacebook Adam PoppBill Stahlsilly_billy@msn.comFacebook and LinkedIn Bill StahlInstagram and Threads @stahlor and @coachstahlYouTube We Are Superman PodcastSubscribe to our Substack for my archive of articles of coaching tips developed from my more than three decades of experience, wild and funny stories from my long coaching career, the wit and wisdom of David, and highlights of some of the best WASP episodes from the past that I feel are worthwhile giving another listen.Search either We Are Superman Podcast or @billstahl8
