Into The Furnace: How a 135 mile run across Death Valley set my soul on fire

by Cory Reese, Luke Thoreson, Dean Karnazes (Foreword)

When life turns up the heat, you have two choices. You can bend and break, or you can step boldly into the furnace and let your soul catch fire. Into The Furnace explores the inner workings of bravery, hope, and passion. These themes are framed against the backdrop of the Badwater Ultramarathon - a 135 mile race across the hottest place on the planet, Death Valley. Cory Reese has walked into the furnace. He has faced adversity, both in running and in life. His book captures the essence of what it means to suffer, what it means to persevere, and ultimately, what it means to create a life of clarity and purpose.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Memoir

242 pages, Paperback

Published May 8, 2018

About the author

Cory Reese lives in southern Utah with his wife and three children. He has been running ultramarathons for years and is a regular contributor to UltraRunning Magazine. He is a social worker, race director, photographer, and glazed donut connoisseur.

Reviews

[Scott Kummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cory does an amazing job of telling the story of the Badwater 135, it’s founders and history, as well as the history of the region It’s an easy, funny delightful read with a very personal and heart warming ending. Bravo!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a light-hearted, fun read that doesn't so much answer the question of "why?" but "why not?" Corey's mind dredges up the funniest metaphors; they're even funnier when they start to become twisted beyond recognition. It is interesting to read this book after "Stronger than the Dark," which is much more personal and introspective. This book would have the reader believe Corey never needed to battle a single demon during his 135-mile run across Death Valley; blisters and overheating come across as the largest trials along the course. Despite its tendency to perhaps glean over what shadows really feel like when one crosses the valley of the shadows of death, the laugh-out-loud moments and historical background make this an engaging read that I really enjoyed.

[Clark Goble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Just About Badwater

On the surface, this is a book about Badwater, but in reality, it is about so much more! Funny, heart wrenching, and honest. As a 50 year old wanna be ultra runner, I’ll never run through Death Valley, but there are some philosophical gems in the pages of this book I can apply to my life. Such a good read!

[Christy Keeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've thoroughly enjoyed Cory's books and "Into the Furnace" was no different. Though many have written about the Badwater event, every approach is different. No two racers express the same sentiments about their training, race day adventures (and misadventures), and the aftermath.

Unique to Cory's book, however, is his understanding of the race from perspectives of both athletes and crew. This was an added treat. I also appreciated Cory's coverage of the history of the event and tying his book together by revisiting the first athlete to attempt this gargantuan feat. Finally, I appreciated Cory's conclusion. As with his other books, he sees his experience with Badwater as a lesson for all of us... we need to tackle hard things whether they be completing a first 100 meter swim, resisting that next drink or cigarette, or completing an Ironman. Healthy struggle makes us stronger.

[Daniel Hernandez Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came across this on my audible recommendations and it's been a while since I listened to a memoir about ultra-running so I went for it. To my surprise, this is one of the best ultra running memoirs I've read. Cory Reese is not an elite runner, in fact, he's more of a back of the pack runner. However, he is a great writer and as is evident in the memoir a pretty great person and ultra runner. I really enjoyed listening to Cory talk about his experience with Badwater 135. He does a great job covering all aspects of the race, from training, to running the race, to crewing the race. He also covers the history of both the race and a bit about death valley as well as the mindset of taking on such a daunting task. The writing is informative and quite humorous. I want to say this is up there with Scott Jurek's Eat & Run or Dean Karzanes' Ultra Marathon Man.

[Siva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read. Whether you are a runner, ultra-runner, Badwater runner or hopeful, or a non-runner, this is an excellent book to read. Cory Reese writes in a way that comes across like he is talking to you. Simple, funny, personable, down-to-earth, positive and above all HOT. I was sweating just reading this book. It was so riveting in some portions that I had to let the other passengers in the plane get off, while I sat and finished the chapter, though I was sitting in the front and the plane had landed on time. Every page I read about his race experience made me think “I have to do THAT in over 3 months!!!”. Badwater135 is a monster and Cory gives a very good picture of how it would be, however I feel he may have downplayed it :-)

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Into the Furnace is Cory Reese's account of his own Badwater 135 ultra-marathon attempt, told between a history of the race, its competitors, and Death Valley itself.

I enjoyed a lot of aspects of this book, but frankly, I almost put it down early on because of how overstuffed the writing was with jokey asides, interjections, and strange authorial tics. Fortunately those tendencies calmed down somewhat and I was able to press through to finish the book.

Only recommended if you have a strong interest in ultramarathoning or extreme running. It's still not my strongest book about running, which remains (the delightfully unexpected) What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Cory has done an awesome job of blending history and the modern-day pain of attempting to run 135 miles across Death Valley. The book is at times funny, poignant, downright sad- but always inspirational. It ALMOST makes me want to throw my name in the lottery for the race someday. Cory is my hero.. He isn't fast, but he is persistent. He gets things done, when most of us would just curl up in a corner and cry. He reminds me that I can do what I set my mind to. I may not be up there with the fast guys and gals- but I can get it done. Highly recommend the book, as well as Cory's other book: Nowhere Near First.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good audiobook to listen to during long runs!

This book is about Cory's Badwater race, including all the lead up to it. It's also about the first trek across death valley during the gold rush, the first time the Badwater course was run by Al, and the first time Cory crewed the course for his friend Ed. I find the way the narrative jumped between these threads to have been well done. It kept the book moving along and added to its interest. If the book were merely a race report about Cory's Badwater run, it wouldn't have held up on its own.

Warning: lots of dad joke-style humor :) I found it lighthearded and enjoyable.

You get the strong sense that Cory is just an incredibly nice guy in reading the book. I picked up his first one upon finishing it.

[Kari B · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a back-of-the-pack ultrarunner, myself, I really identify with a lot of what Reese shares in his books. This one was no exception. I have been dreaming (or maybe nightmaring....) of Badwater 135 since I first heard about it when another friend ran (and finished!!!) several years ago. So naturally when I heard about Into the Furnace, it immediately when onto my reading list. Cory Reese's take on this race, paired with a some really fascinating history and his own experience preparing for, and tackling this race only fueled my own dreams even more! What an epic battle between the elements and the mind, body and soul of a human!!! I couldn't put it down!!

[Anthony Falso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cory Reese is an excellent story teller. The way he has described it really makes you feel as though you are there with him. Great detail, nice information about other runners (current and past) and he weaves in history lessons with ease. It's an engaging read which I found difficult to put down (I read the second half of the book within one afternoon).

I haven't read his other book, but now I want to. I haven't read other books about ultras, but now I want to. I haven't run an ultra before -- and now I am a bit closer to wanting to (although still wary...).

[Mark Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Into the Furnace" made me sweat from page one. Cory describes the challenges and the triumphs of running the Badwater Ultramarathon and being part of a team for the 48 hours in such a way that you only want to do two things... cheer him on and then start training yourself because a challenge like that is what every runner craves. I loved this book! And anyone who has ever run and felt the high of knocking those miles down from 5k to ultra marathon will love it as well. I also enjoyed Cory's "Nowhere Near First." Check it out too!

[Malin Friess · Rating 5 out of 5]

More people have climbed Mt. Everest (more than 4000) than have completed Badwater (814 at last count). Badwater is arguably the hardest of all ultramarathons because it is run in August and it is 135 miles across Death Valley (the hottest place on earth).

Cory is such a likable guy--Dad, husband, physical therapist, back of the pack runner, lover of Donuts and Dr. Pepper and great writer.

5 stars. You can help rooting for Cory to finish the race.

[Tara Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as much if not more than his first. He is dorky, endearing and entertaining all at the same time. And mind of badass. Weird combos in this guy. But I like him and he comes off as a great person and family man. He is a great runner and storyteller and I will read whatever the guy puts out there.

[Travis Swicegood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Absolutely loved this history and personal recounting of Badwater. Having the story told by someone who’s in there to finish, not podium, was great. So many stories are awe inspiring, but in a way that doesn’t even seem approachable. This story feels like it’s told by someone I’d share a drink with as we marvel over the super human feats of the pros.

[Vanessa Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books I've ever read. The audiobook is read by Cory and has kept me company on many, many hours of my own running. Funny, and informative while walking you through his journey all the way from average runner to Whitney Portal with some history of the area and the race thrown in as well. Great read.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so much more than a book about running across Death Valley. I met Cory briefly in August 2019 and following him on social media and reading his books has had a profound impact on my life. Even if you are not a runner, read this book. I wish I could say more. I make my living with words yet somehow, right after finishing this, I have very few.

[Laura the Intractable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit, I am a sucker for a Badwater story. I have been mildly obsessed for a while now. But I love this book: the humor, insight, and breadth of story all made this read like a novel. I listened to it while running my first ultramarathon, and honestly believe if you can't be inspired by this running story, you may not be able to be inspired at all.

[Josephine Arwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Cory’s writing style, and I might have laughed a bit too hard at the Swedish Chef/Muppets reference. I do have to say I love how honest he is about the thoughts and challenges that creep into our heads, regardless of what we are doing, training for Badwater or just trying to live our every day lives.

[Kris Lodwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

How appropriate to read this book following Endure. Running a 135 mile race through Death Valley is the epitome of pushing your body to its limits, then giving it another shove. I found this book full of info about Badwater, the history of the race, the unrelenting conditions of the race and maybe not why 100 runners a year attempt it, more like why not?

[Ashley Tovar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cory does not disappoint. His writing is funny, touching & he tells one hell of a story. He’s likable & his stories are told clearly & in a way that is truly epic. A great read, especially for any ultra runners who can relate.

[Landall Proctor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting so much Badwater and Death Valley history. Lends a lot of context to the race and the author’s more specifically. Definitely recommend for anybody curious about that crazy race through the desert.

[Allison Sauntry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have zero desire to ever run an ultramarathon like this, but I am fascinated by the stories of those who have run these crazy races! This book was really fun to read — though it still didn’t make me want to run Badwater, ever! — and I enjoyed the author’s sense of humor in describing his feat.

[Karl Mohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read

Another good book by Cory. Well written and funny at times. A little more time editing may have made some parts shorter, but nonetheless a good read for non-competitive runners who just love the run

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Reese's account of his experiences in training for, participating in, and crewing for the Badwater 135. His descriptions of what it takes to run across death valley are distinct, eye-opening, and often humorous. If you're an ultra-runner, you'll enjoy this book.

[Mark McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book purely, because I had no desire to even consider running bad water until I read this account. Now my only desire is to consider it, but that’s like yours further than I was before. What an incredible journey for a bunch of crazy people. Like me?

[Jan Geerling · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most difficult things that Cory does in this book is to describe the hardships, difficulties and immense heat that one encounters on this insane ultra… and give you the feeling that it can be done. Inspiring and entertaining at the same time.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

gives a great vision as to what it is like to do Badwater.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. Everyone should read.

[Connie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cory was forcefully injecting sarcastic humor into every story. It wasn't working for me and I wasn't enjoying it, so I moved on.