Thom Morison

Tell us about when you first started hitting the pavement?

I started running religiously at the beginning of 2020. After a long term relationship coming to an end, a house fire and the pressures of a new job, stress levels were at an all time high. Running didn’t fix anything for me, instead it helped me deal with what I was going through accordingly, in a clear and calm state of mind. I hadn’t experienced the mental clarity I got from running from any previous forms of exercise.

What has been the biggest surprise from starting to run to now?

It doesn't get easier, we just get better at it! It’s still a mental hurdle getting out the door for each run, but every time doing it is better than not doing it whether you're running for two kilometres or ten. It’s creating new routines and breaking down old habits.

Connor wears Cocktail Shirt in Navy, Bound T-shirt in Bone, Five Pocket Selvedge Jean & Buzz Rickson's ‘Daisy Mae’ Hat.

What are the misconceptions you think people have about running? And what it is to call yourself a runner?

That you have to have all the right gear, have run track in high school or are constantly training for a marathon. This is something I constantly battle with, as I am not a quote on quote “traditional runner”. If you run, you're a runner right?

I think it’s about letting go and dropping the stigma or labels, embodying what it is that you're running for and slowly starting to become what you're in search of. It’s not all about the stats, sometimes it can simply be pure expression.

Tell us how running has transitioned into other aspects of your life?

Connor wears Cocktail Shirt in Bone, Bound T-shirt in Bone & Elastic Trouser in Grey/Brown.

What made you want to build your passion for running into the community that is now called Grave Runners?

Necessity.

I started to consider running as a solitary sport, but it was because I didn't have a group of like minded individuals I actually wanted to do it with, so I was like how can we create that? It seemed that simple really. We wanted to create something super inclusive, we don't discriminate. Thinking back on it now I was quite isolated, that was pre covid.

Would you say Grave Runners is more about creating a space to help others improve one’s mental or physical state?

Mental gains over physical ones. We are aiming to open up conversations and build a community. We are challenging individuals to prioritise their fitness, mental health and wellbeing. It’s not about how fast you run, instead it's about motivating each other to get moving and improving. Grave Runners is keeping people accountable, ourselves included.

Connor wears Four Pocket Chore Coat in Black, Bound T-shirt in Bone & Five Pocket Selvedge Jean.

What are the core values of Grave Runners?

Any time, any pace, it’s not a race.

We do our running events in loops. We are trying to encourage people to come to our events and just hangout, you don’t even have to run. At the very least we are trying to get the dirtbags off the couch, as we feel we can relate to them.

Running is seeking “Clarity Amongst The Chaos”.

How does your sustainable approach to mental and physical wellbeing effect what you buy?

Firstly, there’s more intention behind what I’m investing in. My internal dialogue is asking, “why am I buying this? what can I wear with it? If I get over it, will it have a second lifespan?” I really don’t own that many clothes anymore. Instead I try to introduce garments that can help refresh my wardrobe. I’ve worked for fast fashion brands which lead to my love for slow fashion. Workwear, heritage and specialty are essentially more timeless and generally have a better ethos. I don’t have the tolerance for a throwaway society, nor do I have a disposable income. Without even realising it, I was already demonstrating sustainable practice in my own life, whether it be buying upcycled furniture, vintage clothing or regenerating local businesses.

It’s about making conscious decisions and choices in your day to day life.