The chances are good that few, if any, students at the University of Pretoria have ever read Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingstone Seagull.
Given. It is a challenging read. The book can be summarised by saying our lives are not defined by societal norms, and we can break free from limitations to pursue our passions and dreams.
That is precisely what the 21-year-old computer engineering student at Tuks, Richard Schnitter, did. Last month, he finished second in the MacMac 200-miler (322km race). During four days of running, he slept three hours. He also took two 15-minute naps. That was it. His total running time was 84 hours, 29 minutes and 26 seconds.
But this is only part of the story. Eight weeks earlier, Schnitter competed in the Ultra Trail Drakensberg 100 miler (160km). He was 16th, running 34 hours, 16 minutes, and 18 seconds.
Any keen distance runner will tell you that to run a marathon is gruelling. The Comrades Marathon is a physical and mental challenge. So imagine what it would be like to run a 100 miler, which equates to nearly running the Comrades twice. The 200 miler is close to running four Comrades races. Take into account that Schnitter competed in trailruns. It meant racing at high altitudes, often running on single-track paths and being challenged by nature’s obstacles.
Why do it? To the Tuks student, it is all about adventure. As a youngster, he dreamt about how he would climb the highest mountain or do something that nobody had dared to do.
Two years ago, a friend suggested that they should do the Ultra Trail Drakensberg 65km race. They did and enjoyed it. That was it. Immediately, there was talk of the 100-miller race next. That is what Jonathan Livingstone Seagull is about. Doing something worthwhile and unforgettable.
Unfortunately, Schnitter’s friend picked up a back injury and could not run. He, however, did run the 100 Miler last year. So, a new challenge had to be found. Schnitter decided it would be the 200 Miler.
The Tuks student has interesting stories about how he prepared for the race. One day, he and his friends went to the University of Pretoria’s Humanities Building.
“I do a lot of hill work during training. It means running up and down a steep incline. Sometimes 20 to 30 times. It is not only good physical training to do so, but it also makes you mentally stronger.
“So this one time, I decided why not change things a bit to make my training more interesting. So, I thought, what is the highest building I know of with a lift? The Humanities Building sprang to mind. So a few friends and I went there to train. We ran up the stairs to the top and came down with the lift. I did it 16 times.
“As part of my mental preparation, I watched many videos on 100-milers. It helps to understand what you are letting yourself in for. The clips of these ultra races make it clear that you will suffer when running. So, my racing mindset is to expect the worst, only to be surprised that it is not as bad as I had expected.
“OK, I must admit, in the 200 Miler, I had to push myself far beyond my limits. I don’t know whether I would have made it if it was not for my faith in God.
“The T20 World Cup Tournament final between the Proteas and India immensely helped me on the last day. I watched it on my phone while running, and it was a nice distraction. Then I lost the signal and could watch again with 20 balls left in the game.”
Schnitter is not sure, but according to fellow runners, he could be one of the youngest ever in the world to have finished a 200-mile Trail Run.
“It has been said to me that I might be the youngest South African to have done so, but it is hard to verify,” said the 21-year-old.
For now, however, Schnitter is taking a break from running.
My body might have had enough of running for a bit. So, I have taken up playing Ultimate Frisbee. The challenge is to see if I am good enough to be selected for the South African under-24 side that will compete at the World Cup. To do so, I need to get my sprint muscles working.”
