We Are Superman

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.

All Episodes

We Are Superman

#382 - We Are Josh Lee, From 435 Pounds to Ultramarathon Warrior

May 22, 2026 • Season 10 • Episode 13

0:00 | 1:39:29

Send us Fan Mail

Today’s guest is one of the earliest members of David’s Leadville Ten Warriors group that all were overcoming their addictions and with David’s guidance gleaned from lessons he learned in his own life, battled back against those addictions and trained to run races like the Leadville Heavy Half and Marathon. Josh Lee completed the Heavy Half in 2019, but he had to hit rock bottom before making the definitive changes he needed to put his life on the right course. Josh was a high school wrestler, and as you may know, their routine before every meet was to starve and sweat to lose pounds, and then following the weigh-in gorge out eating. This yo-yo effect created bad habits that led to him gradually putting on more and more weight. From 200 pounds in 2017, Josh ballooned to 435 pounds in 2023. At least that’s what he knew of. It might have been more. Josh works as a funeral director, which meant wearing suits to work. He and his young son had a routine where the boy put on Josh’s socks because he couldn’t reach down himself to do this seemingly simple task. A comment by his son triggered a response that made him determined to upend his food addict life. So he changed his diet and get this, Josh dropped 180 pounds over the ensuing 72 weeks. Nothing fancy. No GLP-1 drugs, no bariatric surgery. And he began running. A lot. Nine months in, he ran his first 50K. A year after that, he finished 7th in a 12-hour race, completing 53 miles. This past October, he finished the Hennepin 100-miler in 21:51, which is a very, very, impressive time. Earlier this month, Josh entered his first backyard ultra and placed second, completing 112.5 miles. But best for Josh is he is the dad and husband he always wished he could be when he weighed literally three times what I weigh. Plus he’s a great guy. I think you’ll be very inspired by this truly amazing story.

Josh Lee

Instagram @leemortuary

Bill Stahl
silly_billy@msn.com
Facebook Bill Stahl
Instagram and Threads @stahlor and @we_are_superman_podcast
YouTube We Are Superman Podcast

Subscribe to the We Are Superman Newsletter!

https://mailchi.mp/dab62cfc01f8/newsletter-signup

Subscribe 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

Ride to End ALZ Colorado