Design Teacher and Ultra-marathon Swimmer Nathan Perrett Makes Waves with Inspiring Finish in 25km Port to Pub Swim.
Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Including swimming a 25km ultra-marathon.
Our own Mr Perrett recently completed the Rottnest Port to Pub, 25km ultra-marathon, and we are very proud to report that he finished strong with 1st in his age group, 2nd male overall and 4th overall!
Most would know Mr Perrett from the Design and Technology class, where he usually teaches students how to create beautiful things from raw materials. However, his love for swimming is as strong as his passion for teaching – he is a true champion in and out of the water!
A total of only 54 participants tackled the gruelling 25km ultra-marathon, and 44 completed the swim. The Port to Pub Marathon Swim is one of the longest open-water swims in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, and Mr Perrett made us all proud by completing it in just 6 hours and 52 minutes!
Completing a 25km swim without stopping or resting is a challenge many of us would find daunting, yet some rise to the occasion and conquer it.
Mr Perrett explained that for him, conquering meant having lots of little goals. Choosing to focus on the following 5km, the next feed, counting stroke rates – concentrating on the achievable instead of the bigger picture of 25km.
When asked about the most challenging part of the race, Mr Perrett undoubtedly stated training. Getting up at 4:30, 3 to 4 times a week, is not for the faint-hearted. Especially in the middle of winter when it is dark before, during and after training! Add some cold and rain to the mix; it is the perfect recipe for most people to stay in bed!
But two (or 3) are better than one…
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift his fellow.” Ecclesiastes 4:9
Nathan shared that having the companionship of two friends who were also training for the Port to Pub 25km ultra-marathon carried him through on many occasions. We are reminded of how good friends can lift each other up. In the end, all three friends had a good reward for their toil by finishing the race. And it was an emotional experience cheering the final friend over the finish line!
“Hitting the wall” = when you are both physically and mentally done.
Mr Perrett “hit the wall” at the 18km mark. At this time, his boat crew pulled him through by entertaining him with the use of a whiteboard. Writing things like:
“Let’s go please” – Words that his coach, Graham, repeats up to 100 times during a training session (alleged).
“Swim for Peaches” – A reminder of the cause close to his heart he is swimming for.
“Just keep swimming” – Famous words of Dory, the blue tang from Finding Nemo
Reaching the landmark rock named “Phillip” was a very welcome sighting. Phillip signalled the final 2km stretch! It also offered protection from the island and the sight of supportive people clapping and cheering you on! Some would say the rock Phillip was the culmination of Philippians 4:13 – a reminder that you did it through Him who gives you strength.
Mr Perrett is truly grateful for his support team on both the boat and his sister, Sarah, who was his wing(wo)man throughout the race on a kayak.
Many may wonder why. Why swim 25km? For Mr Perrett, it is to raise funds for “The Pink Elephants”, a cause close to his heart. An organisation that enables early intervention, emotional support, and care for those who experience the trauma and heartbreak of miscarriage and early pregnancy loss.
So, what is next?
Mr. Perrett already has the following few swims lined up and is hoping to get as many Northshore staff to join as possible! And he is dreaming of having a “Northshore Student” team to complete the Busselton Jetty Swim.
On the day: Jordan (Boat Support), Andre (Training partner & Boat Support), Sarah (Sister & Kayaker), Nathan Perrett (Swimmer)
Donations towards The Pink Elephants can still be made until end of April:
https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/my-fundraising/155/peaches-nathanp?fbclid=IwAR1zGpC8ZJ9lwYuA3ZbDP7OWZer9vV4OhqXRyZHr-30zTF-L6dZViU9aCgQ
