Making Women's Running Stories A Reality

Project 2024-05-13 14:53:37 +1200

Kia Ora, I’m Maree Leith from Auckland. I’m a mum of 3 beautiful kids, dog mum, wifey and a keen runner living in the sunny hibiscus Coast in Auckland.

Running is such a passion in my life, that I now coach women all around Aotearoa to help them conquer their running goals through my online business Go Run Girls. 

My latest project is to bring to life a book which celebrates the achievements and stories of female New Zealand runners.

18 precious stories have been collected and the next step is to work with our editor and designers to create a visually captivating and easy-to-read layout for the book.

To create a motivational book that inspires more wahine to prioritize their health and wellness through walking or running. We’ll do this by sharing stories of remarkable women from all over New Zealand who made themselves a priority despite life's challenges.

I passionately believe that these stories need to be told. This book would be the first of its kind published here with a focus solely on New Zealand female runners.

I’m extremely grateful for these women who have chosen to share their stories as part of this project. Theirs are stories of hope, perseverance and accomplishment and I’m honoured to have the opportunity to share them with you in this project. 

These stories come from women with all different backgrounds, beliefs and professions. I felt it super important to have a broad range of stories knowing that you will relate to one of them in some way. 

Stephanie Pettigrew from Dunedin

Laurie Wilson from Auckland

Caro Orum from Wellington

Joanne James from Cambridge

Gurjit Karr from Auckland

Kirsty Watson from Invercargall

Karen Donaldson-Barron from Hibiscus Coast

Emma Timmis from Reefton

Jennifer Edwards from Auckland

Jeanine Lumsden from Helensville

Kay Abayakoon from the Hibiscus Coast

Karyn Aulelio from Whitianga

Carolyn Elliot from Oamaru

Fiona Hayvice from Wellington

Kate Mcdonald from Auckland 

Rachael Tobeck from Auckland 

Heather Purdie-Raill from Hamilton

Wendy Veron-Meredith from Hamilton

Oh yeah and ME (if you want a little early teaser of my story, you can read it here)

Here are just some of our amazing Authors

Most of the funds raised will be used for the editing of all 18 stories and design work of the book as well as cover the costs for the first print run. 

Bringing out a book involves a range of specialists to capture the joy and humanity of these strories. It's with your support that we'll make this project a reality.

My first thoughts on the layout of the book was to have something portable that could give you a hit of inspiration before you go out for your run, at bedtime hear a short story that gets you dreaming of your possibilities or pop it in your hand bag for motivation on the go. 

Each precious story reveals a beautiful in-action photo of the Author giving you a true sense of who is sharing their life changing experience.

Virtual High 5

Because you are so awesome supporting this book once the campaign is finished you will receive and Virtual High 5 right into your mail box for a $5 pledge. Every little bit counts so Thank you x.

Digital Run Easy Guide

I share my tips on 'how to begin running' and 'returning to running'. This is an easy to follow guide to get you training in a safe way. I give you my professional advise as a Coach and PT on how many strength/recovery/mobility sessions you need to make you a strong runner. For only a $10 pledge you can have this to keep forever. This will be emailed out once the campaign is completed. 

Pledge for one of these EPIC events:

2 x Macpac Auckland Trail Series  - 3 Event Pass valued at $240 each

1 x Run Auckland Series pass valued at $180

4 x entries to Merrell Race Tekapo event valued up to $290 each

2 x John West Taupo Ultramarathon entries valued up to $450 each 

3 x Legend of the Peaks entries valued up to $220 each

Codes will be emailed out you once the campaign is completed.  

Get your name in the book

That's right you can really be part of our book by having your name proudly printed on our ‘pledges page’ in the actual book. This is just our way of thanking you for your generous donation towards such a meaningful project. Heck include the whole family if you want and we will add the family name to our book for a minimum pledge of $15. All Pledges $15 or over will have the option to include their name in the book. 

Mat Pilates for Runners with Coach Maree

Enjoy a 1 month block (8 sessions) of Mat Pilates online via zoom with Coach Maree. This a a great way of fitting in that important strength training during the week. You will join Coach Maree's morning Pilates group online, Tuesdays and Fridays at 6am-6.30am for an energising start to your day. All abilities welcome and options catered for. Usually valued at $55 for 8 sessions. 

Secure your copy of the book

This will definitely be our most popular incentive. Be one of the first to get your hot little hands on Finding her Stride with this exclusive offer. Once the book is printed we will be sending it straight out to you. You won't want to miss this opportunity!

Get some cool running gear

Fitletic 360 Running Belt

Stretchy durable material to hold belt securely to your body with zero bounce. Reflective zippered front pocket for your smart phone or any additional nutrition. Back pocket fits up to a 16oz (350ml) bottle. Two front loops to hold your bib in front (comes with toggles). Outer stretchy mesh pocket to hold your gels or other snacks for easy access. Silicone coated loops to hold trekking poles securely. High Visibility reflectors, front and back. Easy-access key clip

Book + Cap

Receive a little goodie pack including the book and an exclusive 'Finding Her Stride' Buff running cap. This was designed with the book cover in mind with the team at Buff NZ. 

*Will have a minimum order to reach for the cap. If we are unable to reach that number we will include another gear option.

Book + Launch

Come celebrate our launch with us at the Fantail & Turtle in Takapuna, Auckland. This VIP event will be on Saturday the 2nd of November 2pm-4pm. Included in this Incentive pack - Mingle with some of our Authors while sipping on a glass of bubbles (or drink of your choice) and enjoying some yummy nibbles. We will also chuck in a goodie bag cause who doesn't like suprises? This will be a true celebration of the book which will be personally presented to you by Coach Maree. 

With this you'll receive a copy of Finding her Stride. 

Online Coaching Package - 3 months

Grab yourself a deal of 20% off Personalised Online Coaching for 3 months from Coach Maree or Coach Steff. Yes we coach the men too so feel free to grab one for your special someone. Get strong and feel 100% supported as you train up towards your next goal.  Learn more about what is included. Usually valued at $540 for three months. 

Online Coaching Package - 6 months

This is for the really serious runner who wants to conquer their next hairy, scary goal. Grab yourself a deal of 25% off Personalised Online Coaching for 6 months from Coach Maree or Coach Steff. Yes we coach the men too. Stand at the start line confident, strong and ready to smash your goal after a whole 6 months of training. 

Learn more about what is included. Usually valued at $1080 for six months. 

Corporate Package Bronze 

No matter how big or small your business is, we have a packaged designed to suit. If you support the campaign we will thank you by including your business across our socials. 

Includes 2 books + 2 invites to the launch + name in book + your logo and link on our dedicated page. 

Corporate Package Silver

This is a level up where you will not only get a few more goodies to share around your staff but also have a personalised post to my socials.

Corporate Package 5 books + 5 invites to the launch + name in book + your logo and link on our dedicated website page + advert on social media platforms.

(Facebook and Instagram page with over 20,000 followers + 3 emails out to our database of 1000+)

Corporate Package Gold

Gold Corporate Package - up to 10 books + up to 10 invites to the launch + name in book + your logo and link on our dedicated website page + 3 adverts on our Facebook and Instagram page.

And an exclusive opportunity to talk at our launch party. Coach Steff and Coach Maree would also present a 1-hour motivational talk for your business either online or in person (depending on location). 

(20,000 followers + 3 emails out to our database of 1000+)

Once the book has been published and available to the public, we'll be donating the profits of the book sales to two very special Charities.

Speed Freaks

Supporting recovery from addiction and mental distress through the vehicle of running and walking. 

Cancer Research Trust New Zealand

The Trust provides grants to doctors and scientists conducting ground-breaking cancer research, and to medical and scientific cancer-control personnel for their professional development and education.

Please note that this project is separate to the charities and donations will only be made once we have secured the crowdfunding and the book is on sale. 

If you've got any questions or want to be involved in the project in another way please contact me, Maree Leith on [email protected] 

Comments