The Pants of Perspective

By: Anna McNuff

Narrated by: Anna McNuff

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

"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

Critic Reviews

"Beaming with limitless ambition, positivity and enthusiasm." (Women’s Running)

I loved this book

The author reads the book with such enthusiasm and energy I couldn't stop listening. If you liked North by Scott Jurek you will like this even more.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very inspiring book with superb narration

I loved this book. First heard about Anna on Tough Girl podcast and was interested to listen to this audiobook because I just came back from New Zealand to run from north to south with the Peace Torch as part of the Peace Run relay. Although we ran on the roads to visit towns and schools, I loved it. Kiwis are really very very kind and Anna's description of her journey is very interesting, entertaining and inspiring. Her narration is superb and you can't help it but you are energised and inspired by her.

Loved this book

I loved how she never downplayed her struggle or pain. If you are looking for inspiration here it is.

Grueling journey in perseverance, hilarity, pain

Our bookshelves and IPhones are being swamped with tales of adventures -- a refreshing amount by women, young and not-so-young -- who weave and wander thousands of miles about the world upon their feet, kayaks, skis and boots. This one I can proclaim as a certified favorite; just be aware that Ms McNuff, who records her memoir, will exclaim and proclaim about every minute of her six month journey running New Zealand south to north and in full English voice. An enthusiastic voice and spoken in tones so you will know exactly what she had been experiencing! :-) Be not afraid; it is who she is, she is courageous, hilarious, truthful, grateful and glorious in her vocal hugs of praise for all the Kiwi warmth and kindness with which she is embraced along the way is a decided plus.

Best running book for inspiration

This book was so inspiring,!it had lots of humor and insights of the sometimes lone runner. The book inspired me to the point that when I do my long distance race this weekend, I will take everything in everything in a positive manner because being positive is a choice.

Love the narration, loved the book.

Great listen!!

Awesome adventure as told by the author, really entertaining. Really makes me want to get out and explore this wonderful world!!