Wednesday, October 9, 2024

2024 Cole Porter Classic 5K Race Recap - Peru, Indiana


The start / finish line of the Cole Porter Classic


Official Time: 24:51
Placement: 2nd in the 50 - 59, 5th overall
Results: Here
Race WebsiteHere
Weather: Upper 50's, breeze from the south east
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First year for me


Mile TimeComments
17:58Solid but hesitant start.  Mostly intermingling with the 10K runners
28:10Was running solo after the turn around
38:12Cruising along
3.080:31Sprint to the finish
Total Miles: 3.08 - 24:52

Packet pickup


Introduction


So, I happened to be in Kokomo Indiana for a wedding this past weekend and since it was a weekend after all, I decided to scout around for a race.  At first I didn't find anything, but after I expanded the distance I was willing to travel, I found the Cole Porter Classic Race (38th edition no less).

The race is located about 20 miles north of Kokomo in Peru.  Peru, it turns out, is the birthplace of the famous American musical composer Cole Porter.  As a fan of the American Standards (Sinatra-esque songs), I *had* to run this race.

So I got the okay from the wedding organizer (I was a groomsman after all and I didn't want to shirk my responsibilities to the groom), and plunked my money down and signed up for the 5K.

About quarter mile into the race course


The Race


The race was held at the local YMCA, so we had flush toilets and a clean place to hangout prior to the race.  It was easy to find with ample parking.  I was able to snag my bib, shirt and a swag bag in no time at all.  I followed that up with about 20 - 30 minutes of jogging to warm-up (and a time to get course photos).




There were 3 races, a 5K walk (which you had to actually walk), a 5K running race and a 10K race.  There were approximately 150 participants scattered amongst the races.

The race started at 9 AM sharp and I cautiously started the race.  The race is held on the Nickel Plate Trail -- a paved bike trail running along the Wabash River. It is a popular trail and I've heard it goes for a significant way -- so it is a great place for a long run.

View of the Wabash River.


I coasted through the first mile, tagging along with a bunch of what would be 10K runners.  I had no idea who my competition was because everyone started together.  I didn't look at my watch at all until the first mile beeped -- coming in at 7:58. 

Running at lower altitude was definitely a treat.  The air was thick and heavier but I didn't have to work as hard to obtain oxygen. I was pleased with my start and I felt solid.




The course had a series of roundy turns, but nothing to actually slow me down.  There was only one hill in the entire course and that was to cross the river bridge, and it was hardly much of a climb at all.




Finally, I hit a neon orange cone for the turn around.  The course came in around 1.54 (I think) and the race was an out-and-back.  Mentally I was breaking down the race into parts and there was a mental burden released knowing that I had reached halfway and I knew the course.  



Most of the runners that I was running with were running the 10K and I suddenly found myself running solo. I think one other runner followed behind me. I wasn't sure how old they were but I tried to put some distance on them -- they were clearly an adult.




I got a lot of cheers coming from the other races yet to reach the halfway point.  I felt like an elite runner -- just powering by myself as fast I could. I really dialed in a nice effort.

I had lost site of the 4 other runners that were well ahead of me.  I think at one point, I would spot one, but my memory may be wrong.  It was just a matter of not letting anyone else pass me at this point.




Once again, around mile 1.75 I started to choke on something.  I do believe it is allergies, but phlegm gets caught in my throat, making it hard to swallow and invokes a gag reflex. I knew I lost precious seconds as I slowed down to catch my breath and try and clear my throat.  

Fortunately the event was short lived and once it passed I continued on, hitting 8:10 for mile 2.  I passed the one and only aid station and recalled my tough workouts where I pushed the pace.  Occasionally, I'd look over my shoulder and I was running in the clear.  My nearest competitor was a good 30 seconds or more behind me.  And I felt strong. I knew I had still had more in me and I wasn't hurting as bad I usually do this late in a race.  This embolden me to push just a little harder.

That didn't stop me and once I hit .5 of a mile left, I remember that just 30 minutes ago I was running there during my warm-up.  I had picked out visual sites in order to gauge how much longer I had to run.  Also, with the course being accurate, I knew I only had to look at my watch to know how much further I needed to run.

Finally, I could see the rooftop of the YMCA and hear the din of the music.  I rounded a corner and saw the arches ahead -- just a little further.  The nearest runner was no where in site.... and I crossed under the finish line in 24:51.

Runners waiting for awards

Conclusion


First off, I have to say, running at 650 feet elevation versus 4500 feet is quite a difference.  My time was about 45 seconds faster than a comparable race here in Salt Lake City.  I also felt a lot stronger in the race and wasn't gasping for air quite as much.

Potential Awards

I managed to get to my car and grab my phone.  I scanned my bib and saw that I was 5th overall, 2nd in my age group.  They only give out awards to the top 2 in each 10 year age group.  The guy trailing behind me: was indeed in my age group and if I hadn't gotten by him, I would've been out of an award.

I really enjoyed the course. It was shaded and I loved the scenery along the way. It reminded me of the Path to Opioid Prevention 5K.  I was sad I couldn't run the 10K but with time constraints and not wanting to feel like I was trash after the race, the 5K made the most sense.

Shirt, plus medal, plus age group award


Post race refreshments included what I think was a Subway cookie, bananas and bottled water.  Pretty standard refreshments for a $35 race.  I absolutely loved the shirt.  Just a super cool design and it is one, despite the material, is one I will keep. It is a nice cotton but once again, I prefer polyester.  But I can't wait to wear it.  The finisher's medal was nice and heavy and again well designed.  The age group awards, were definitely on another level though. I wouldn't have expected an actual custom made trophy.  Bravo race directors!

Post race wedding attire

Overall, I was really pleased with my race experience. The people were friendly and despite not knowing anyone, I quickly made acquaintances with several people.  If you are in the area, this race is well worth doing.  It is well organized from start to finish and the course is definitely a treat.

Race performance-wise, this was the best 5K I've run in a while.  I just wish I had given it a little more in the middle miles.  With the oxygenated air, I should've been able to put a little more into it.  This race may go down as one of the better race performances I've had this year.  Also, calculators I used indicate my time was 100% in line with what I'd run at 4300.  Definitely a good day for me.

Upcoming Races


10/12: 2024 Sound of Hope 5K - South Jordan, UT (Confirmed)
10/19: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)
10/26: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)
11/02: Vineyard Blizzard 5K - Vineyard, UT (Confirmed)
11/09: Sandy City Thanksgiving 5K - Sandy, UT (Maybe)
11/16: Snow Canyon Half Marathon - St George, UT (Maybe)
02/23: 2025 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)
04/26:2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

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