The Pants Of Perspective: One woman's 3,000 kilometre running adventure through the wilds of New Zealand

Anna McNuff

Sept 2018 · Rocket 88 · Narrated by Anna McNuff

About this audiobook

"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-kilometre-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 ridge-lines, over mountain passes, along beaches and across swollen rivers. Running up to 52 kilometres 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, colourful 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 which 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.

Ratings and reviews

I loved it. I listened to Anna in her pain and struggles on the track, whilst myself riding my bicycle through rain and cold hundreds of km pushing on and heard her saying she is reading other people's adventure books whilst on her trip, saying it makes her feel like she isn't the only crazy person and had to smile. A mirror in a mirror in a mirror. Can't wait to listen to the USA one now. Love the humor and writing style. How she managed to jump scenes without making me lost in context. Love the honesty, Anna. xo