Into the Furnace

How a 135 Mile Run Across Death Valley Set My Soul on Fire

By: Cory Reese, Luke Thoreson

Narrated by: Cory Reese

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2018 Cory Reese (P)2018 Cory Reese

Good story

This book was pretty good. I would have liked more detail of what went on during the race, but overall a good ultra book.

Inspiring book

I listened to this book while marathon training. During one 20 miles run this book helped het me through some tough miles knowing I was not suffering nearly as much as Corey! Loved all the history and background provided as well.

Worth the listen

I loved the honesty of this book as well as how much it inspired me. Even if you aren’t a runner this book is well worth your time:)

Great story, well told

Interspersed with historical references as well as heartfelt personal tales, this audiobook is about not just one person’s Badwater race, but many people’s struggles through the hottest place on Earth. He describes intimate details of the mental fortitude and physical strain required to do this race.

I only wish he had hired a professional to read it. The halting rhythms in his rendering lack flow and I found them quite distracting.

Amazing story

Truly appreciate Corey and his ability to tell his story. Also love the history of bad water. Truly inspiring. Great job Corey

Excellent Listen

As a 72 year old who began running in the middle oh his 68th year and has had four significant sidelining setbacks (and hasn’t given up), I have appreciated a running experience book from a runner who hasn’t been known as one of the elite stars in his sport.

Inspires you to go find yourself on a desert run

I have to say I have listened to this book multiple times. Each time I pick up on new aspects of the story I hadn't before. Cory masterfully intertwines reflections of several journeys across Death Valley - occurring in multiple centuries and by several people.
All while making it applicable to his own journey across the valley.
From the beginning through the middle and to the end he masterfully makes one chuckle, or Wonder in awe at the sheer enormity of the challenge.
But the ending in the epilogue makes you want to simultaneously laugh, cry, hug your loved one, eat a cinnamon roll, and then go find your true self on a long run in the middle of the desert.
love this book.

Cory did it again

Cory Reese does a great job of weaving the history of Death Valley, the evolution of Badwater 135, the ethos of ultrarunning and his own personal experiences together in this brief, yet compelling, story of his relationship with the race. Admittedly cringeworthy at times, his humor is relatable at least by someone who has experienced the darkness of these sorts of endeavors. His read is a bit slow, but it’s nothing that turned me away. This is a great book that I would recommend to anyone. It pairs particularly well with a long slow run or some miles behind the wheel. Be sure to check out his other books as well. Cory is rad.

Another great read by Cory

Cory bring so much of the human side of ultra running. His humor and life view is so awesome. Definitely recommend this book as well as his others.

Makes me wanna run 100+ miles

I am a runner, but have yet to try an ultra distance yet. I love how it shows Corey as a normal person who can run one of the toughest races in the world. I love the history of the Death Valley area and the Badwater Race are given, and how it relates to Corey. Most of all i love the inspiration am guidance it gives not only about running, but about life!