Kentro - Mpozaitika 17k, Patras 20140420

Another run in my prep to Metsovo's 18k race in June '14.

I actually planned to run "somewhere" through the hills above Patras, without more detailed look into the route. I did some MTB ride few years back in that area, but didnt remember much. In fact, I was hoping to do more distance in dirt roads / paths than I actually did :-] 95% were asphalt/concrete local roads and that was a little disappointing. But at least I got serious climbs/downhills that was my other goal. Also, as I run much slower uphills and at the top of each climb I really enjoy 15-20s walking to catch my breath, I was able to take some photos with my mobile :-D and You can see some views from the route.
I mark it a difficult run as I messure difficulty as compared to my so-far flat runs. I guess for any trail runner this would be piece of cake and boring :-P
I was testing my new running backpack with hydration system, so I could carry my mobile, some snacks, 2L water and even light jacket in case of rain. Backpack did very fine and I didnt feel it heavy. It took me about 2-3k to get used to different balance and later on I could easily forget I was actually wearing it - good purchase!

0,0k at 10m - Start from my house in area of Skaleiopoulio in the center of Patras. I followed my usual walking route to Psila Alonia Square, later with Gounari str until Kalavriton/Patron Klauss str to pass by the military camp at 2,5k. This section is fairly flat by the asphalt roads with minimum elevation gain.

2,5k at 45m - Military camp. After passing next to the gate, the ascent becomes more steep to follow Girokomiou str. Before 4th k, the road does some serious detours while there is possibility to cut through the turns with dirt path and much steeper climb - which I was very happy to do as I expect this will be like ion Metsovo during the race!

4,2k at 135m - Monastery. Great view to the city (I did take a photo during 10s rest walk, but my mobile's camera doesnot offer much image quality and there is not much to see :-/). Steeper climb continues but again with asphalt roads. Very soon I passed by strange monument (see the photo) in the middle of nowhere, only to later check that it was related to Greek Civil War. I continued to climb with Agiou Trifona str over the Bypass of Patras (part of Olimpia Odos) where at the end of the climb I took another photo with panorama of Patras and the Bypass.

5,7k at 220m - top of the climb. Road turned into small narrow concrete path (enough for one car to pass) and passed by some single houses. Little descent to 210m, climb back to about 245m and down to waste dump at 200m (not the best views here :-/)

6,7k at 200m - From the waste dump trail starts to climb gently again to pass by Myceanian cementary and climbs even more until about 270m altitude and meet asphalt road again, going rapidly down to Skioessa village.

9,2k at 225m - Skioessa. I passed through the village meeting almost no one (well it was 7:15AM on a Big Sunday!). Still on apshalt roads, I started my last climb, slowly but steady, with just one 5s walk to take another photo of the village, until 340m just outside the village.

10,7k at 340m - highest point of the run. No matter how high this would be, I always enjoy this moment when I know it's only down from here :-D Even though it was something like 60-65% of the distance, I already felt like I finished. Again short walk and photos (to the bridge and rema) to start moderate and long descent to Mpozaitika by the rema.

16,0k at 15m - Next to Tofalos sports complex and under the new national road to Athens. Later with Digeni Akrita to the beach.

17,2k at 0m - Finito. And the preparation of the lamb could start at 8:30AM :-D