Nowhere Near First: Ultramarathon Adventures From The Back Of The Pack

by Cory Reese

Long before Cory Reese strapped on his first pair of running shoes, he learned the key to being a successful He knew how to suffer. In “Nowhere Near First,” Cory shares his deeply personal story about experiencing his father’s suicide at a young age, and how this led to a career in endurance running and a desire to live life to the fullest. “Nowhere Near First” is a humorous, captivating, and uplifting account of Cory’s memorable ultramarathon experiences. Not only does Cory’s entertaining and powerful writing allow readers a unique perspective into the challenges and rewards of running, but it also inspires each of us to turn tragedy into triumph. “Cory Reese writes with humor, humbleness and honesty. His story is both uplifting and real, and his tales of persistence and perseverance are sure to inspire, whether you’re at the front of the pack or nowhere near first. Regardless of the title, this book’s a winner!”
 ~ Dean Karnazes, author of Ultramarathon Confessions of an All-Night Runner “Cory Reese’s book, Nowhere Near First, is an immensely entertaining and profoundly educational story about overcoming challenges to forge a meaningful life. Reese’s story is must-read for people looking to find meaning and purpose in modern-day society.” ~ Karl Hoagland, Publisher, UltraRunning Magazine “Cory has penned a very personal account of overcoming hardship in his personal and athletic life. Nowhere Near First tells his story of perseverance and survival in a vivid, down and dirty way that peaks with his extraordinarily positive way of looking at life.” ~ Marshall Ulrich, author of Running On An Ultramarathoner’s Story of Love, Loss, and a Record-Setting Run Across America

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Memoir, Health, Audiobook, Book Club, Fitness

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2016

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

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a distance runner, READ THIS BOOK. This book was so good that I will forgive the poor editing in places. Reese speaks from the heart as a seasoned ultramarathoner. He is witty, wise, and everything in between. He gives solid advice with a touch of humility. It's awesome to read an ultramarathon book that comes from a "real" person instead of one of the elites. Don't get me wrong, the elite-authored books have their place, but it was refreshing to be looped into the insights of a back-of-the-packer, like myself. Reese gives me hope that I, someday, may achieve my goal of completing a 50 mile race.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I am not a huge runner, but if I were this would have provided great insight into what it is like to run an ultramarathon. Reese provides plenty of hilarious real life experiences. I felt like he really captured an accurate picture of the encouragement of running community culture, which I have experienced in small doses in the few 5Ks I've run. Heartwarming book. Read it if you run a little or a lot.

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! Some very valuable advice wrapped in entertaining stories and great race reports told from the view that I experience which is "nowhere near first". I love Cory's blog and I loved the book!!! A highly recommended read.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t give this book 4 stars because of the quality of the writing. The book was more about Cory Reese simply telling his story in short vignettes that were very simply written (and I have to add, very poorly editied). BUT, I so appreciated his tenacity and drive to complete so many 100 mile (or more) runs. I can relate to Cory as he is just an average guy who is not an elite runner, nor an especially gifted athlete. But his mantra is to keep moving forward and you can do it. Such a great mantra for anyone trying to do anything hard and seemingly beyond your capabilities. I especially loved the strong bonds that are built among those running ultramarathons - whether they are runners themselves or friends and family of the runners. I really admire Cory and his positive attitude and drive to push himself beyond his comfort zone.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've seen this book recommended many times and finally picked it up. What an absolute treasure. Funny, inspirational, heartfelt, and to be honest.....useful! While I think Corey's book would be a fun, fast read for anyone, runner or not, as a back of the pack runner with ultra goals I learned a lot from Corey's book. I highlighted so many passages. I have plenty of other resources to tell me how many miles to train, what nutrition to try, and what to do for blisters. In Corey's story , I related to the WHY. And strategies for keeping "your why" in the forefront of your mind when you want to curl up and cry, die, puke, or all three during the quest to achieve the seemingly impossible. Our bodies are capable of so much more than we believe. I would love to meet Corey in person one day.... who knows? Maybe I will see him at a 100 miler.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book knowing that I was its target audience. I have read several memoirs of ultrarunners, and this one certainly fit well into the genre. I didn’t really find anything to make this book stand out over the others. Occasionally the stories in the book came off as a major humble brags. I’m uncertain if it’s because I went in knowing nothing about the author. If you want a collection of stories about ultrarunning that are entertaining, this book will fit the bill.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that is an inspiration to those of us who run closer to the back of the pack. And it makes me want to try to do an ultra, but how do I come up with a crew, and how do I train to do more than the marathon, that I have done twice.

[Zoey Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I am beyond inspired.
Cory’s book is funny, positive and touching.
He writes about the struggles and beauty of ultra-marathon running.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say there is anything groundbreaking in this book, but I love stories of Ultrarunning and the audiobook was just the tiny distraction I needed while doing some mind-numbing tasks at work.

Cory seems like a nice guy (and someone I might end up meeting at a race one day) so I can't beat to give it anything less than 3.5 stars anyway.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational read! Thoroughly enjoyed it despite the exposure therapy for my emetophobia. Much talk of vomiting. I still don’t want to go run a hundred miles, but I feel inspired to get out and run and conquer the goals I do want to achieve.

[Bambi Kline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candid review of the authors experience ultrarunning

[Sarah Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh gosh, how do I review this book? This isn't a hardcover hero-worship shirtless-wonderbook with flawless proofreading. But it's so heartfelt, and Reese is so human. It's the first running memoir I've read that didn't leave me feeling like a mere mortal, like I lack the willpower/genes to do this running thing. I mean...Reese is normal. Definitely funnier than me, but he has a job and a happy family and humble roots and personal heartbreaks and huge successes and...you know. Normal-person things.

But he just. Keeps. Going. (And eating Hostess.)

I'm almost forty and I can barely run three miles without keeling over but this book made me feel like even I could do this ultrarunning thing, someday. It's got a special place on my keeper shelf.

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

So. Many. Typos. This book obviously was never edited or even proofread. I don’t know how many times he said “complemented” when he meant “complimented”. I also saw “pervious” instead of “previous” and “nigh” instead of “night”. These are just a few examples. There were missing punctuation marks as well. It was so poorly written. Basically this book is a series of race reports. Highly repetitive and not terribly interesting. I was hoping for some inspiration since I am also a back-of-packer but I found myself skimming it toward the end because of the repetition.

[Thebestdogmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I loved Cory's stories. He truly is a great ambassador for the running community.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by saying that I (pretty much) enjoyed this book.

As a runner, I would belly up to any bar and listen to anyone who talks about the mindset it takes to finish a hundred-mile ultramarathon.

As a writer, I found Cory’s use of exaggerated metaphor (like, 900 bajillion of them) distracting and laborious; for me it lessened the impact of some of the truly wonderful dramatic writing sprinkled throughout this piece. Also, I could have done without the gratuitous, borderline psycho-sexual, pandering to Hostess products. I get it dude, you like junk food. But no, Twinkies did not fly down from heaven on the wings of angels and if that is the fuel you rely on while training for these races I would bet you are in for quite a surprise as you roll into your forties. I would have much rather listened to how one balanced out that sweet tooth with foods that legitimately make the boat go faster. I struggle with diet all the time, and while Jurek’s vegan utopia has not yet stamped my passport for entry, I don’t think candy mountain is the answer either. A realistic look at any ultra-runner’s diet is always something I’m looking to… digest.

Any who, I did finish Reese’s book and there were some wonderful nuggets on the mindset it takes to accomplish what Cory has accomplished (especially if that was a realistic examination of his dietary practices). It’s not up there with Born to Run, but it’s not the least enjoyable running book I’ve read… I’m looking at you Unbreakable Runner!

This book really makes me wish I could dole out half stars… but, it’s worth more than three… so four it is.

[Suzanne Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Cory is a genuine, funny, amazing human.

The only reason it is getting four stars as opposed to five, is that it would’ve benefited from some better editing. The story doesn’t really follow any natural time progression. There is a lot if jumping around, as if maybe it was a bunch of blog posts, collected together and thrown into a book. It wasn’t enough to steal my enjoyment, but it was noticeable. Several people and places are explained more than once in the same way using the same words.

That said, it gave me the desire to run ALL the ultras. I am a back-of-the-pack runner, and Cory made me feel like I can and should, try to do the big scary things.

His love for his sport, and his wife and kids is never in question.

You’re left wondering if, though, maybe his mom isn’t particularly awesome and really has no part in his life. You also might speculate that Cory secretly holds some brainspace blaming her (at least indirectly) for his father’s death. Maybe it isn’t true, but he glorifies his father, and there seems to be some thinly-veiled venom the few times he mentions his mother. Perhaps I’m looking for drama that isn’t there, but somehow, I don’t think I’m wrong.

Fully entertained. I’m excited to get his new book, and will happily read it!

[Steve Silberberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please Cory, no more analogies! You have taken the interesting subject of ultra-running and your own experience with it and ruined it by continually subjecting us to your awful analogies.

You write, “I finished the first twenty-four hours with a total of eighty miles. After those first twenty-four hours, I felt like a patient from the middle ages who was given leeches to drain their blood. But instead of feeling like leeches had sucked my blood, it felt as though they had sucked out my energy. I was completely drained.”

None of this is relatable, illustrative, clever or funny. It just ruins the otherwise insightful prose which could have been, for example “I finished the first twenty-four hours with a total of eighty miles. I was completely drained.”

I found the personal parts of the author’s life interesting as well as what it’s like to run extremely long distances. It reads a bit like a blog actually.

I guess I’m glad I read it, but it could have been so much better without all the pointless analogies.

[Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

As of late I have been reading books on running. This had been in the queue for a few months.
Cory presents a raw account of his life and running adventures. At no point does he mention his own paces but simply the times he had that were close to the cutoffs. Each is a joyous celebration of the things he has pushed himself to do and each is much like the angel and devil that he describes that finally convinced him to run his first marathon.
Along the way, Cory discusses the ultra community and the aid stations with great detail. As a person inspired by the feats of Fastest Known Times and races, this book is a how to guide of a different FKT, funnest known time.
The book is packed with lessons for running ultras, making running your own, and not least, being present in life.
Is it the next classic? No, though it is the tale that is often needed served with a Twinkie at mile 81.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read about Reese's entry into ultrarunning, beginning with a marathon and transitioning into 100 mile races. Based on the title, I thought there would be more reflection about being a slower, "back of the pack" runner, but Reese's reflections on that were mostly confined to one short chapter towards the end of the book. The book is sprinkled with humor, admiration for the perseverance of ultrarunners, adamant belief that your body can do more than you expect from it, and the gory details of ultraraces (Reese does not shy away from the blood, sweat, tears, and puke that seem to be a universal part of the ultramarathon experience--but he's not graphic). Distance runners would probably get the most out of this book; as one myself I could relate to a lot of what Reese said and feel inspired by what he attempted (and often succeeded).

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly my favorite book ever. I have read Nowhere Near First countless times, and will download the audio book to listen to during long races. It makes me howl with laughter, sad at times, and always makes me want to get out and run. I made the leap from half-marathons to Ultramarathons after reading this book, because Cory convinced me that I, too, could do it. I ran the Across The Years 48 hour race last year (and will again this year) solely because Cory made it sound so amazing. And it didn't disappoint. Cory is humble, self-deprecating, kind, insightful, and inspirational. I wish I lived closer so his awesomeness could rub off on me. Whether you run or not, Nowhere Near First is a worthy read.

[Leenie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have run countless 5k and 10k's and training for my 1st half. Cory's perspective from the back of the pack speaks to me as a runner. His realness as a human shines through, surprisingly he struggled early on as a runner, to the point of hating it. He details his life, and race experiences with such honesty, humility, and humor albeit caked in high fructose corn syrup, and refined sugar. Seriously the amount of junk food consumed is shocking! This can not be his everyday diet. Anyway, it is surprising to hear a runner of his ability often struggles with self doubt, and how he defeats the negative self talk. My goal for running in 2021 is how to better combat the negative voices, and it is reassuring to know we all hear them at some point.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, Heartfelt, Inspiring

Having run countless 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons, I consider myself a distance runner. However, ultramarathoners are a different breed altogether, with grit and determination that is truly mind boggling.

Cory Reese pulls off a literary feat just as impressive as his athletic ones: making the reader feel like an ultramarathoner, right there beside him. What otherwise might be an unthinkable task suddenly becomes relatable, told with warmth and wit.

Whether you're an ultramarathoner or have never run a step, Nowhere Near First is a book that can speak to anyone about tenacity, friendship, and family.

[UMass Dad in SLC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Nowhere Near First because it showed how someone who isn't a particularly gifted athlete can still do extraordinary things and enjoy doing them. I like trail running and am getting more into running on pavement. I know I'm slow as molasses but am still having a good time. I like that Cory continuously pushed himself to complete ever increasing running challenges but couldn't have cared less that he wasn't likely to be a top finisher. It gives hope to the rest of us who will always end up someplace near the back of the pack that we can also find a great sense of accomplishment.

[Truth Devour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning All The Way

What stood out for me is the lovely supportive relationship Cory and his wife have. It's super important to have the ones you love be positive and allow the space for their partner to grow, fall, stand up and grow some more.

The fact that it took Cory years, circulating between a yearn to run, failing, quitting, then yearning again before he developed his mojo around running & eventually ultra running, is an awesome feat of persistence. What stood out for me was his wife never put him down, nor did she discourage him to give up, tease him about his previous unsuccessful attempts.

This book was an enjoyable read.

[Muhammad Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories in this book are definitely motivational. It is nice to finally read a book like this in which the person writing the book is not trying to turn himself into a super hero. The author could have been more descriptive with scenes and people. I found myself reading about the different races that he was running but unable to formulate an image in my mind of the place he was running through or the people he was talking to. Overall it was a decent read, definitely not the best book I read in my life, but also not the worst. The worst book I ever read was "The Shaolin Way" by Steve DeMasco. That book would make any book I read after it seem like a masterpiece.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this after reading Cory's 2nd book, Into the Furnace. This book has even more cheesy, good-natured, dad humor, so if you're not into that sort of thing, then it's not for you.

Cory's personal history and its tie to his run at age 38 framed the book. The framing was powerful.

In the middle was a series of mostly disconnected race reports, mixed in with some advice to folks picking up ultrarunning. It was a bit all over the place, honestly, but I didn't mind that much as I listened to the book primarily during my long runs and just let it flow over me. It's a light read, and it moves, so it worked like that.

[Trung Nguyen Dang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended for anyone interested in ultra trail running

Interesting stories about various trail run experience. Highly recommended for anyone interested in ultra trail running. That said, the book may have limited audience and limited appeal to the general readers.
I particularly like the story about the incredible support from the running community in the author's first solo 100 miler.
The story about Grand Canyon R2R2R is also fantastic, making me want to put that on my bucket list.

[Vanessa Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hyperbole and awesomeness

I just started running a couple of weeks ago. It's been harder mentally and emotionally than physically. Having this book to listen to on my runs has been wonderful. It's kept me going with positivity, kindness, honesty, and humor. Cory's openness about his journey becoming a runner and his adventures on ultras is refreshing and endearing. Please read this book. The audiobook is also fantastic and worth it's weight in megabytes. Just buy it. You won't regret it.

[Matt Leiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book by an ultra runner who is "nowhere near first", meaning he's often middle, and sometimes back of the pack. If you're a hard core runner looking for motivation, this isn't it. If you enjoy long runs and pain mixed in with some humor, this could do it for you. Make no mistake, Cory is a solid runner. He's done many runs to included a hundred mile run a month for 12 months. He talks about late night pain, family support, fueling with twinkies, and enjoying his running while holding down a full family and work life. It's a fun read.

[Charlotte Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was such a big fan of this book. I’ve recently gotten back into running because I’m applying to the LAPD, and I am a SLOW runner. Hearing Cory’s story helped make me recognize that even though running can be a painful, exhausting experience at times it can also be beautiful, and take you places you never thought you’d go. I listened to the book on Audible and absolutely loved his optimism, honesty, and humor. I highly recommend this for other people who may be slow, but want to give running a bit of their heart.