Book SummaryNowhere Near First, by Cory Reese

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Nowhere Near First

Cory's narrative delves into his experiences and reflections on the sport as he ventures into the domain of long-distance running.

This segment of the narrative delves into Reese's transformation from a non-runner to a seasoned ultramarathon participant, highlighting the pivotal moments that ignited his passion for endurance running and the challenges he conquered to finish his first marathon. The narrative explores Cory Reese's unique experiences and personal growth at well-known events such as the Zion 100 and the Javelina Jundred, highlighting his participation in long-distance running events that extend beyond the traditional marathon length.

The writer's transformation unfolded from an initial state of inactivity to becoming an individual who has successfully finished multiple ultramarathons, each stretching over the distance of one hundred miles.

Reese's journey didn't begin with a childhood passion for running. Cory Reese joined the school's track team motivated by the fact that Melanie, his future spouse, had enrolled as well. His consistent position at the back of any race was a result of his dislike for running coupled with an inadequate training routine. Cory Reese's fascination with endurance running ignited after discovering an article about the St. George Marathon. After three attempts, grappling with knee injuries and self-doubt, he finally completed his first marathon. His life was transformed by this triumph, which cemented his identity around the central pursuit of long-distance running.

The author's fervent dedication to long-distance running and his resolve to overcome early challenges led to the notable accomplishment of finishing his first marathon.

Cory Reese began a fresh chapter in his running journey upon discovering a newspaper article that showcased a marathon in St. George, renowned for Utah's stunning mountain vistas. The view ignited within him an unforeseen aspiration to achieve what seemed unattainable. Initially, he struggled to overcome the mental barriers linked to the distressing memories from his time participating in high school sports. Moreover, his persistent knee injuries were a result of his insufficient training regimen, worsened by his disregard for the signals his body was sending. The author managed to surpass his physical constraints once he grasped the significance of heeding his body's signals and taking breaks as necessary. He followed a strict training schedule that progressively extended his running distances, allowing for sufficient rest, and eventually achieved the significant achievement of finishing his first marathon, further solidifying his passion for the sport.

Context

• During the time when Cory Reese discovered the marathon, newspapers were a primary source of information for local events and activities, often inspiring readers to participate in community events.
• Utah is a hub for outdoor activities, attracting tourists and athletes alike for hiking, biking, and running, which can create a community atmosphere that encourages participation in events like marathons.
• High school sports can be highly competitive and stressful, sometimes leading to burnout or negative associations with physical activity if not managed well.
• Knee injuries are prevalent among runners and can be caused by factors such as improper footwear, running on hard surfaces, or overtraining without adequate rest and recovery.
• Many athletes use techniques such as mindfulness or body scanning to become more attuned to their physical state, helping them identify when rest is needed.
• Utilizing tools like running apps or journals to monitor progress can provide motivation and help adjust training plans as needed.
• Regular training for a marathon can lead to improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength, and better mental health due to the release of endorphins.

The story of Reese's adventures in ultrarunning, including his experiences in renowned events like the Javelina Jundred, is thoroughly chronicled.

Cory Reese expanded his athletic endeavors well beyond marathon participation. Cory Reese set out on an adventure that challenged his limits and thrust him into the realm of ultra-marathon races. In his first attempt at an ultra-marathon, the Red Mountain 50K in southern Utah, he encountered a significant obstacle as the course required crossing a river several times. He spontaneously escalated his efforts, shifting from a race spanning fifty miles to one that challenged participants over a hundred miles, highlighting his growing ambitions. Cory Reese made the choice to focus on his family, reducing his commitments when his wife was injured. He demonstrated remarkable resilience, enduring scorching temperatures and unexpected sickness to complete his first 100-mile event at the Javelina Jundred. Cory Reese's journey in ultrarunning is further exemplified by his participation in events such as the Antelope Island Buffalo Run, the Zion 100, and the Across The Years race, where he accomplished the impressive feat of covering a distance exceeding two hundred miles. He found solace in the encouraging and hopeful attitude that is common within the community of long-distance runners, and he also learned strategies for coping with difficulties and experimented with unconventional nutritional approaches, like eating bean burritos.

Context

• Some renowned ultra-marathons include the Western States 100, the Badwater Ultramarathon, and the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, each offering unique challenges and prestige.
• Post-race recovery from a 100-mile event is more intensive, often requiring weeks of rest and rehabilitation to fully recover from the physical toll.
• Balancing personal ambitions with family responsibilities is a common challenge for athletes, often requiring them to reassess priorities and make difficult decisions to support loved ones.
• The Javelina Jundred is celebrated for...

Nowhere Near First Summary The writer recounts his own experiences with long-distance running, focusing on his unique approaches and the inspiration he gains from the camaraderie with other competitors.

In this segment of the narrative, we explore the unique perspectives and encounters that marked Cory Reese's journey through his extensive running escapades. It underscores his respect for fellow ultramarathon participants, his readiness to embrace atypical trials, and his profound valuing of the picturesque vistas he experiences while competing.

The author holds in high esteem the feats of fellow long-distance runners, such as the distinguished Ed "The Jester" Ettinghausen.

Reese holds his fellow ultra-marathoners in high esteem, recognizing that their remarkable accomplishments expand the boundaries of human potential. Cory Reese conveys his respect for Ed "The Jester" Ettinghausen and his ambitious endeavor to establish a global benchmark by completing 40 ultramarathons, each at a minimum span of 100 miles, in the span of one year. In his book, Reese recounts how he first encountered Ettinghausen at the Javelina Jundred, where Ettinghausen, clad in a jester's outfit and wielding a cowbell, was energetically cheering on the other competitors. The author admired Ettinghausen's commitment and courage, and noted his friendly, caring nature, in addition to his...

Nowhere Near First Summary The author's journey through the world of ultra-marathon running involved overcoming numerous psychological and emotional challenges.

This part delves into the author's journey through the mental and emotional hurdles that come with participating in ultramarathons. It underscores the significance of attitude, collective encouragement, and the profound influence these challenges have had on his individual life.

The author's strategies for maintaining a positive mindset and persevering through the ultra-distance races' toughest segments.

Reese provides useful tips on keeping an optimistic attitude throughout ultramarathons. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining a smile during tough times, which initiates a cascade of hormones that create a feeling of contentment, thus fostering an ongoing cycle of positive thinking. He advises runners to anticipate potential obstacles in advance, thereby diminishing worry and encouraging a forward-thinking mindset. The author highlights the significance of present-moment awareness, consciously avoiding thoughts about speed and remaining distance, a strategy that helps prevent discouragement and promotes consistent advancement.

The significance of utilizing suffering as a foundation for resilience, instead of perceiving it as a frailty.

Reese's philosophy is...

Nowhere Near First Summary The writer's metamorphosis, coupled with the deep connections and understanding gained through his involvement in extreme long-distance races, highlights the significant influence that running has had.

This part encapsulates how ultrarunning can propel people past what they believe to be their boundaries, nurture significant relationships, and promote deep self-development.

The author is convinced that through ultrarunning, individuals are propelled past what they assume to be their boundaries, enabling them to accomplish feats beyond their initial beliefs.

Cory Reese is convinced that ultrarunning epitomizes more than just the capacity to endure physically; it symbolizes the realization of goals that once seemed unattainable. He narrates his journey of transformation, detailing how he went from barely completing six miles to ultimately competing in grueling races that covered a distance of two hundred miles. Cory Reese's narratives underscore the endurance of athletes who persist in their pursuit to the finish line, even when faced with fatigue and pain, illustrating his belief that ultramarathoners stretch their limits and discover new strengths.

Cory's achievement of goals that once seemed impossible filled him with deep contentment and a sense of victory.

Reese frequently shares examples of surpassing his own expectations and accomplishing what he initially...