Maree Connor - Warrioress of Overcoming Obstacles...
Maree won the Southern Sydney Ultra 24 hour track run this year running 211kms & scooping up the womens' Australian Champion trophy & I had a 'front row seat' as I watched her glide past me with strong strides on many laps during the 24 hours as we shared the track that weekend when I was running the 48 hour race. I reached out to Maree as I was so in awe & invited her to share her warrioress wisdom here...
Maree travelled extensively (60 countries) for 3 years pre-children with her husband & while working in the Solomon Islands in as a nurse, she started running "for something to do."
Once back in Australia she decided she wanted to run a marathon. She started training then found out she was pregnant, but decided to train anyway - running her first marathon 18 weeks pregnant in 2013. Then it happened again when she was training for her second marathon.... she ran it 16 weeks pregnant in 2015.
Later, work had damaged my back and in 2017 she had to have spinal surgery for terrible pain and disability. She couldn't walk without pain and stiffness. After recovering through yoga for 12months, she decided to try again, this time... an ultra. In 2019, she ran her first ultra and I loved it.
Since then she has pushed and pushed her body to find its limits - knowing what the lows feels like, she want to feel the highs...
1) Motivations: What makes you strive & thrive? What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Living a life fulfilled and enjoying the life that one creates is what motivates me. Having understood how it feels like to not have any physical ability to then be able to have a second chance with this amazing body reminds me every day not to take anything for granted. Move while you can, use what
you’ve got and most of all enjoy what you do.
(I had spinal surgery to fuse two vertebrae in my lower back almost 5 years ago and before surgery I could not pick up my baby out of her cot. I was in constant agony. Since my surgery, I have the ability to use my body and get the best out of it, every day. So I do)
2) Inspirations: What / who / where inspires you? What influences your actions/life?
The everyday runner or adventurer who tries hard and gives her best. I mean sure the elites inspire me to be great but I notice the everyday people who use everything they have to try their absolute best in any situation and I want to try my best, just like them. These everyday adventurers who go out to try hard things inspire me to push my own limits. Those who have a good go when the odds are stacked against them. Those that try hard and work hard for their results. I feel inspired seeing people overcome obstacles. I am someone like this and I believe we always have something to learn.
3) Self care: What rituals / routines / practices / training do you use to nurture / strengthen your self?
I run and train solo as this is my mind’s reset time. I want to run every day but I don’t have the time. Between managing a busy emergency department and being a mum to two small girls as well as a wife, I’m leading a pretty hectic life. Running provides me with a quiet space to just be. After my spinal surgery I was doing yoga 4-5times per week to help strengthen my body and stretch my muscles but since taking on more and more running and work, this has diminished. I yearn for it to return and ask myself often why I’m not prioritising something that made me feel so good. I will make this personal commitment to myself again soon and restart yoga.
4) Self belief: What do you believe about yourself? How does that affect what you do?
I believe my mind it my biggest asset and the strongest part of me. Maybe its my Dutch heritage or my environmental upbringing but my parents were always advocates of us trying everything and doing our best. I was always into physical activities and have a lot of energy to redirect. Running and
running long distances has given me the ability to moderate my energy. I believe I tapped into this strong mind and once I find it getting tough, I switch over to the head and let it guide me. I believe I am a strong-willed, strong-minded lady who can do anything I want. Nothing will hold me back (except maybe finances and availability of time!).
5) Warrioress: your favourite style from the range & why?
I’m more of a plain colours lady and love a skort for its’ femininity. I appreciate the long tights as well as the longer tight shorts. I could wear any of the warrioress range and be comfortable as it is all wonderful. I love the philosophy of sustainable biodegradable and recycled fabrics. And the creators message behind it all!
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