Pondering The Miracle Question

Coping when things go sideways, in running and life.

Jan 30, 2024

Micro Miracles

— Matt

There is a popular intervention in solution-based therapy called The Miracle Question.

In this intervention, the practitioner asks a variation of the following: “If a miracle happened when you were asleep, and you weren’t aware that this miracle had happened, how would you find out that the miracle had happened throughout the day?”.

The purpose of the miracle question is to enable reflection on what constitutes positive change in the person’s life and, following the “Big Rocks, Small Rocks, Dust” process, drill down to first steps with the person that are solution-focused, instead of problem-focused.

Essentially, what would improve your life? Make it simpler? Better?

The best example of the miracle question in popular culture is when Marty McFly walks into his garage at the end of “Back to the Future” to see that totally sweet-as 1985 Toyota SR5 Xtracab sitting there.

We see the shock on his face and the dawning realisation that things might be different from his experience up to that point.

I was struck by something that Kerry Suter said in this week’s DCR Podcast.

He was reflecting back to the early days of the Tarawera Ultra Trail (nee Tarawera Ultramarathon, as it was known).

Kerry, who has won the event twice, had been looking through old photos and made the observation that “hardly anyone knew what they were doing, no one had a backpack, or even trail shoes, they were just running”.

We all had a laugh at what Kerry was getting at, and I found myself thinking “how blissful”.

We know running is an aspirational sport, trail and ultramarathon running especially so, with its destination races and seemingly endless churn of extra tasty gear and extra tasty prices.

It seems positively cute to state that running is as simple as cracking on a pair of daps and heading out onto the trails. Maybe it used to be, but not in 2023, pal.

When I consider the miracle question in terms of my running life I have often sat back and been thankful for the things that I have accumulated.

I have a nice watch, a nice headlamp, jackets, shoes, and a selection of packs, all of which (and I need to state this very clearly) I REALLY, REALLY LIKE.

This isn’t a wistful call-back to the ‘simpler time’ when things were ‘better’. Things are better, and this stuff is useful — then why do I find myself sometimes going-through-the-motions in terms of my running?

This is something that I choose to do — then why does that choice feel hard? What signs am I missing that a miracle has occurred?

When I think about my mate Kerry, a force of nature who suffered a life- changing mountain bike accident, it would be the obvious pivot to consider that “running” would be the answer to his miracle question.

And then I’d reflect to you all that if my mate can’t run, but would really love to, then I should just shut up and run.

But if I wrote that I’d probably punch myself in the face as it’s specious and condescending. I wouldn't blame Kerry for taking a swing too, if he could.

Kerry would be the first person to tell you that his running days are done. And I wouldn’t bet my house that there is a list of things as long as my arm that Kerry would do, or would show him, that a miracle had happened when he’d been sleeping.

I don’t reckon that running would be in the top 50.

Kerry is facing (as you’ll hear on this week’s DCR Podcast) a difficult operation with a long recovery time in the hope of enabling increased functioning in his arms.

He’s going to miss Tarawera for the first time in 15 years. And he’s rightfully bummed.

He also rightfully realises that things could be so very much worse. And he says as much in his typical no-nonsense fashion.

As I sit here writing this at a bus stop on my phone, I’m surrounded by evidence that a miracle happened overnight.

I woke up healthy, mobile, with access to shelter and water and food. I have literacy, and relative safety. I have many friends whom I am thankful for, and a job where I serve others. I have family who love me, and I love them.

I get as salty as the next person, and can self-sabotage like a pro, however listening to Kerry and his wisdom (pretty hard-earned, you’d have to say) has given me the opportunity to reset the boundaries of what constitutes a miracle.

So hear me out: I’m not after Kumbaya or a gratitude circle or anything that painful. I’m just asking that we stop for a breath and pause when things are not going to plan.

In our lives, and in this context, our running lives.

If we allow ourselves the space of that breath and pause to consider all the things that have allowed us to get up to that point, a non-plussed run is just that. It’ll still suck, and that’s fine — lots of stuff does.

If we consider the incredible good fortune that even allowed us to get to the pain cave or the big suck or whatever, then that’s got to let a little bit of light in.

And even if that light switches on for a second, that’s something.

You have my permission to go back to having a terrible time after, but please try it out.

I’m hopeful that the more we focus on those everyday micro-victories then even our bad days out on the trails can in hindsight be our best, because we got to do it.

That, in itself, is miraculous.

Okay, on with the show …

Photo: Sportograf

Dirt Church Radio 262: 2024 Tarawera Ultra Trail Preview with Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger

The Big Friendly is rushing up again and Eugene and Matt have the privilege of being joined by their fellow MC’s, friends, and the Squadrun brains trust Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger.

Kerry and Ali continue to be a driving force in coaching in Australasia, as they coach and support thousands.

We run down the shiny diamonds in the field, and dig into the weeds in a preview.

Kerry and Ali also share their wisdom of the do’s and don’ts of the day, and drop some science on the reasons it’s best not to be too scientific.

We discuss the UTMB furore and the dopamine rush that binary outrage brings and, more importantly, spend an hour yarning with some of our favourite people.

If you are doing the Tarawera Ultra Trail, and are packing it because it’s taper time, you’ve got this.

We believe in you, you are going to be fine.

Best Enjoyed Running.

For January, all our content will be free, but after that you’ll need to be a paid subscriber to get the good sauce … like what you’ll see below, plus the DCR AidStation podcast next week!

Greatest Trail Ever

Got a GREATEST TRAIL EVER? Send us a picture, and directions (or not, if you don’t want to blow up your spot) with a couple sentences on why you love it so much and what makes it your Greatest Trail Ever to dirtchurchradio@gmail.com and we’ll share it in the newsletter. Or drop it in the comments (subscribers only).

Marawhara Track in North Piha, on Auckland’s West Coast is temporarily closed due to being damaged in the 2023 flooding.

I can’t wait until this is open again, the White’s Beach Loop is one of my favourites and the Marawhara Track is a stunning way to open the account after a nice jog from South Piha long the road.

What makes this a Greatest Trail Ever for me is that it was one of the first trail loops I ran with Lola as her love of running was really taking off. — Matt

Bucket List Races

What: Lavaredo Ultra Trail

Where: Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

When: June

I'd love to visit the Dolomites. The scenery looks absolutely stunning and post ultra I couldn't think of a better place to be, when you want to eat all the food. – Ali Pottinger.

What’s your Bucket List Race? Tell us what, where and why and we’ll share it in the newsletter — dirtchurchradio@gmail.com or in the comments (subscribers only).

DCR Book Club

Brutally Beautiful, by Hazel Harrison.

They say not to judge a book by the cover – this is a case of don’t judge a book just by the cover.

On the front, you see Hazel competing in the legendary Marathon des Sables (MdS), the extreme race through the Sahara Desert.

And, sure, inside you’ll find out about Hazel’s epic adventure in the 35th edition of the race.

But it does not end there.

In fact, the story of endurance and overcoming adversity starts long before Hazel gets to the sand dunes.

This is a memoir — but it is also an anatomy of how to never give up, and how to get back up again and again. — Eugene

Got a favourite running book? Tell us what it is, who it’s by and why you love it and we’ll share it in the newsletter - dirtchurchradio@gmail.com ]

And, finally … The Stoke

Is it just us or has there been an explosion of running groups over the last 12 months or so? But there are still plenty of the OGs around too.
On a quick trip to Wellington last week, I remembered the WoRM run (Wellington Running Meetup) which has been going for 10 years or more.
Kicking off at 6.15 pm Tuesday on the waterfront round the back of Te Papa (by the naked man statue), about 60 of us split up into four pace groups and headed up Matairangi/Mt Vic via the dizzying and dusty network of trails. (There are other runs onWednesday and Thursday, too).
Such fun hanging with a bunch of locals and yarning on a run. – Eugene
It’s hard out there. For two minutes of goodness in this mad world check out WeRateDogs and their Top 5 Dogs of The Week. You are welcome. – Matt

I can’t claim credit for this – Matt put me on to it a few years ago.
But this summer I am OWNING it. A coffee tonic is just the treat to beat the heat.
It’s my go-to drink on a blazing hot or stupidly-humid afternoon, and it’s simple as.
Shot of espresso coffee, tonic water, ice, and maybe a bit of lime or lemon to garnish if you’re feeling fancy.
And that’s it. That’s the recipe. But if you really want one, here you go. – Eugene
Touché Amoré from Los Angeles has been one of the main soundtracks for my life over the last 10 years and 2013’s Is Survived By especially so.
I can’t tell you how many runs I’ve been on with this album in my ears.
2023 saw the release of a revived/remixed/remastered version of the album to mark its 10 year anniversary.
Sarah thinks that they are ‘Jolly Shouty’ and they are, but this album is urgent, shimmering, beautiful.
The singer, Jeremy Bolm, has some of the most incredible pipes in modern hardcore. Check him out on this cover of The Pixies Where is my Mind? – Matt
This time last year, kapa haka from around the country were in the final throes of preparation for the Olympics of haka, Te Matatini.
And what a competition it was in Tāmaki Makaurau, at Eden Park, no less. Since Te Matatini is only held every two years, we have to wait until 2025 (hosted by Te Kāhui Maunga region) for another hit.
So, in the meantime, if you want to get your fix of haka, to get the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up, or to waiata along with the many banger waiata, you’ll have to make do by watching various clips on YouTube, including this one of last year’s finals day.
Mauri ora! – Eugene
Wait, Patagonia is a PLACE? Yeah. I did actually know that, and I’ve always wanted to go there. Watching this video of Jeff Pelltier and Audrée Lafreniére fast-packing the O Circuit in Torres Del Paine isn’t helping one bit. – Matt