Beyond 100 Miles: Ory Frazier on Running, Adventure, and Belonging
What happens when running becomes more than a way to stay fit?
For ultrarunner and ice climber Ory Frazier, the answer involves 100-mile races, frozen waterfalls, a life spent exploring, and friendships that extend well beyond the finish line.
On Episode 55 of Beyond The Finish Line, host Joe Hardin sits down with Ory to talk about the Leadville 100, finding community through endurance sports, and helping create more welcoming spaces for athletes.
From Recreational Running to Leadville 100
Ory began running around 2019, initially for fitness. Over time, running became an opportunity to explore new places, meet people, and take on challenges that once seemed unimaginable.
Their progression eventually led to ultramarathons, including the legendary Leadville Trail 100.
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The People Make the Miles Matter
The Leadville experience wasn’t simply about covering 100 miles through the Colorado mountains.
Ory describes the relationships formed through running, the importance of crews and pacers, and the atmosphere surrounding the race.
The conversation also explores the mental side of ultrarunning. When you’re tired, hurting, and still have miles remaining, how you approach the challenge can influence the experience.
Ice Climbing, Adventure, and Finding Community
Running isn’t Ory’s only outdoor pursuit.
When the seasons change, ice climbing becomes another opportunity to explore personal limits.
Ory explains why climbing frozen waterfalls requires patience, control, and an understanding of risk. Surprisingly, they describe the ice-climbing community as one of the most welcoming they’ve encountered.
Making Endurance Sports More Inclusive
That sense of belonging inspired Ory to develop Medaling with Friends, a project designed to help runners connect with friends and discover races that reflect their values.
The idea extends beyond finding another ultramarathon. It includes helping athletes identify events with inclusive policies and accommodations.
For Ory, building community means making it easier for others to participate.
Beyond the Finish Line
The conversation with Joe is a reminder that endurance sports offer more than medals, finishing times, and personal records.
They offer opportunities to discover new places, build relationships, and create spaces where others feel welcome.
Listen to Ory Frazier on Beyond The Finish Line, part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network, and discover why the people you meet along the way can matter as much as the miles themselves.
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