1. Can you tell us about yourself?

I am 44-year old guy who is trying to balance my stressful job as an Emergency Doctor with my passion of running and traveling to some of the most remote-unique places of our planet.

Since young, I have loved the freedom that running gives me. During my medical studies in Italy, I dedicated all my free time to intense training for marathons (BP 2:38’). After a few years of living near the Italian Alps, I began to fall in love with ski mountaineering, and I have had the opportunity to explore most of the Alps by skiing, before participating in the sport in competitions, where I represented Greece as part of its National Team. I reverted to running once I finished my studies, as my busy professional commitments no longer allowed me to indulge in spending time away skiing on the mountains.

Running became a more convenient passion for me once I started work and it has also become indispensable, for me to release all the stress and pressure I faced at work. In the last few years, I was able to run for pleasure. I have since combined running with my passion in travelling and discovering new places, and meeting people who share the same interests and passion as myself.

2. What attracts you to GlobalLimits Albania – The Hidden Treasure?

Albania is a neighboring country to my home country, Greece. I have always wanted to visit it as I have a few Albanian friends and have met many of them as patients while I was working in Greece. After having listened to the stories of their lives and the political situation in their country, I have always been curious to discover this relatively unknown and undiscovered country.

Certain issues concerning safety in the country between 2000-2010 had discouraged me from making my journey there. However, in the last few years, I have received very positive feedback from some friends who had traveled all over the country. As soon as I found out that GlobalLimits was organizing a running event there, I did not waste a second in sending through my registration to Stefan.

The professionalism of GlobalLimits which I experienced at The Last Secret race in Bhutan was probably the huge pushing factor in prompting me to make my hasty decision. The organiser had chosen some of the most scenic routes for us to run through in Bhutan, with the BEST marking on the trails (impossible to get lost). We have also been given ample opportunity to spend time in villages and monasteries with the locals and monks respectively. All these positive experiences played a great part in encouraging me to register for yet another GlobalLimits event, because I know it is going to be another once-in-a-lifetime experience.

3. How are you going to prepare for the race? 

The Hidden Treasure is going to be a race which will include a significant amount of climbs on the mountains. Due to this, I have decided to focus on my uphill training, which is one of my weak points. Living in England, I do not have many opportunities to train on uphill trails and due to this, I will need to find ways to train on this terrain. I have planned to spend a few weeks before the race in Greece (coinciding with our annual summer holiday) and will try to do as much climbing as I can, adapting to different groups of muscles for the tough Albanian climbs. I am not really looking forward to my ‘Spanish Mountain Goat’ friend, Manu (Pastor), annihilating me on the climbs, as he flies past me while flashing his irresistible smile !!!

4. Any recommendation for Extension Program after the race in Albania?

I have a very attractive suggestion for those who love to have some rest and relaxation by the sea after the race. After 6 days of torturing our body, I think immersing our bodies in the sea will be the best recovery - to float or swim in the crystal waters of Ionian Sea.

From Butrint, where we will finish of the race, there is a 30-minute ferry ride to the Island of Corfu. Once we reach Corfu, we can get another ferry or a sea-taxi and head to the island of Paxos (it takes one hour). It is the smallest of all the Ionian Islands, with exotic beaches of turquoise blue waters. To appreciate the true beauty of the island, we can rent a motorboat for a very good price to explore the coastal line on the east side of the island, full of hidden stunning beaches, secluded coves, and blue caves.

When we have enough of the sun and sea, we can stop at some of the local tavernas for fresh fish and local cuisine. I have been to these parts in past and I can suggest very interesting places for accommodation and meals. My wife, Hannisze (who will be photographing the race) and myself will be heading to Paxos after the race and I will be more than happy to help anyone who is interested in this itinerary or who needs any help with any post-race plans around the islands.

Thank you so much, Stefan for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself to all my GlobaLimits’ friends and would-be friends, and I hope to meet some (or many) of them in Albania.