The Pants of Perspective cover art

The Pants of Perspective

One Woman's 3,000 Kilometre Running Adventure Through the Wilds of New Zealand

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The Pants of Perspective

By: Anna McNuff
Narrated by: Anna McNuff
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About this listen

"A thrilling, coming-of-age journey that will make you yearn to go on your own adventures.” (Runner's World)

Anna was never anything like those "real" runners on telly - all spindly limbs, tiny shorts, and split times - but when she read about New Zealand’s 3,000-kilometer-long Te Araroa Trail, she began to wonder...perhaps being a "real" runner was overrated. Maybe she could just run it anyway?

Travelling alone through New Zealand’s backcountry for 148 days, she scrambled through forests, along ridgelines, over mountain passes, along beaches, and across swollen rivers. Running up to 52 kilometers in a day, she slept wild most nights and was taken into the homes and hearts of the Kiwi people in between.

The Pants of Perspective is a witty, colorful, and at times painfully raw account of a journey to the edge of what a woman believes herself to be capable of. It is a coming-of-age story that will lead you on a roller-coaster ride through fear, vulnerability, courage, and failure.

For anyone who has ever dreamt of taking on a great challenge but felt too afraid to begin - this story is for you.

©2017 Anna McNuff (P)2018 Anna McNuff Running & Jogging Women Heartfelt Inspiring Witty

Critic Reviews

"Beaming with limitless ambition, positivity and enthusiasm." (Women’s Running)
All stars
Most relevant
Loved it! very easy to listen to, I laughed, I felt it all. was great to picture all the places and experiences while I'm living in Australia for 2yrs having grown up in NZ. Great account of the reality of the Te Araroa trail and the seriousness of some parts.

couldn't put it down!

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Dear Anna,
not sure if you actually read all these as I’m sure you are extremely busy off adventuring somewhere else but I have to say I enjoyed your book immensely!!!
Firstly the fact that my husband and I spent our 10th wedding anniversary in the South Island last year ( we honeymooned in the north island 10years previous) and hearing your amazing descriptions made it feel like I was right back there in what is one of the most amazingly beautiful, stunning we’ll actually words don’t cut it at all but this country equally captured my heart and I thank you for taking me back there in my mind at least.
Secondly I am only 6 weeks in on a dream I have to run a marathon..... not anything as grand as your feat but I’m 53 yrs old and far from athletic, my reasons are very personal and want to do it to raise money for charity and to honour the memory of my brother, I lost him far too young.... he ran marathons and being that I have one of his medals which is one of my most treasured possession I thought I could actually do this!!! I could raise some money and also complete something he accomplished and fully know what he must of felt. I want to make him proud and perhaps also feel some of the contentment you talk off once you sat at the lighthouse at the end of the NZ trail.
Anyway my training has been on hold as I’d had a set back and hurt my lower back at work and haven’t been able to train this past week....I felt miserable and defeated but listening to your book has inspired me to keep going with the training... I ran again today and it feels great to be back out there....
Thank you again and good luck in all you do... you are truly inspirational and a breath of fresh air. I honestly don’t know how you managed it but your thought processes seems to of been a source of power and some I may be borrowing!!!
Thank you again Anna...
Jules Perth Australia (formerly Somerset UK).

Just what I needed

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Anna is an inspiration from chapter one through to the very last words - what a woman! A fabulous and lighthearted performance by Anna makes the book fly past in no time. A very entertaining and inspiring book that makes you feel loved back.

Inspiration and Love the whole way through

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Anna has shared her journey - physical, emotional and mental - through New Zealand. There’s no pretence, it’s not for anyone but her. I listened to it while training for a half marathon and loved the honesty of it. One of my favourite parts was her realisation that she was making choices that weren’t so she could tell others what she had done, but for herself, her journey and her memories. Loved this book! And want some unicorn pants of my own!

A must listen book!

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I love Anna's writing and loved hearing about her adventures ... and about the world at its most beautiful and people at their kindest. I can't wait to read her other book!

I loved this book so much

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What an amazing book!! Such a great escape and inspiration to get out in my own backyard and explore! Thank you so much Anna!

Amazing

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I totally LOVED this book, a fantastic winding tale with the ups and downs of the trail patterning the highs and lows of emotions while running it! What an amazing challenge to have conquered! The scenery of NZ and encounters with many different and interesting people also beautifully described.

Brilliant story with laugh out loud moments

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What a fun listen!
Makes me excited for all of the potential adventures ahead.
Anna is a great narrator. Very entertaining. I can’t wait to get into her next book.

Great story! Itching to go on adventures now

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A friend recommended this book and as an outdoors adventure type person I decided to give it a go. Well I was captivated on Anna’s adventure through NZ (I was born there). Her honest, open & brave story is very inspirational. I love her writing style about how she personalises/names objects, feelings & emotions. I am hooked on Anna McNuff & have now ordered all her books, shared them with my Mum (who also can’t put them down) and even listened to 3 of them with my husband in the car (he is also a fan, and trust me it takes a lot to impress him). Brilliant !

Loved this book

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Absolutely amazing book. Gives the reader motivation to set and achieve their own goals. what an amazing women and excellent role model. Very well written and easy to follow.

Amaze Balls

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