In Bob Wieland’s world, obstacles create opportunities and conquests breed inspiration.

Wieland was declared dead and taken away in a zipped-up body bag in 1969 after stepping on a mortar mine in Vietnam. But he awoke a half-hour later and now breathes life into battles against limitations with his speeches and ultradistance adventures that support charities. Missing his legs but full of heart, Wieland has completed six marathons on his hands. He finished the Ironman World Championship triathlon course in Hawaii in less than five days.

Twenty-five years ago, Wieland completed the New York City Marathon for the first time in about 98 hours, or just over four days, a feat he reflected on this week with typical cheerfulness.

“I finished ahead of 300 million Americans who never finished the race,” he said in a phone interview.

Later this month, Wieland, 65, plans to stop in Washington, halfway through Dream Ride 3, a solo ride across the United States and back on a handcycle. He started the journey July 3 in Los Angeles at the Dream Center, a residential rehabilitation facility that will benefit from his ride. Wieland interrupted the ride in late October in Ohio, returning to Los Angeles to receive an award and to make two speeches. He will resume Thursday.