The absence of a Bermudian men's team at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Cross-Country Championships could be a blessing in disguise for Jay Donawa.

Freed of the responsibility of thinking about a team situation, the Island's top runner says competing individually will allow him to plot his own race in Acapulco, Mexico, this Sunday.

"Tactics will be a lot different. I am pretty much going to go out there and run as hard as I can. Whatever happens, happens.

"I think I will put a bit more risk into it, knowing that even if I blow up it's not going to affect my team. Whereas, with a team, you're trying to finish as high as possible without jeopardising the team's position by going out too fast.

"Now, I don't have that restriction. That's one of the plusses in this situation," said the 30-year-old currently enjoying a hot streak of success in local road races.

This freedom plus a quiet determination to try and match the sixth-place finish which he earned when the championships were held here in 2001 could make the Bermudian a surprise package in the race.

In addition, he has been running and training well. Still, Donawa is hesitant to predict his outcome.

"Right now I am in fairly good shape, mid-season shape. Going to Mexico, my goal is to do the very best I can.

"I have no idea of the numbers that will be competing or which countries will be represented, so it's difficult to say anything about overall positioning."

There is also the sobering matter of some sweltering heat which will increase the challenge. Donawa said temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit are forecast for the weekend.

"That's like 12 degrees hotter than here so that's somewhat of a concern," he said, adding that there should be no worry about altitude since Acapulco is at sea level.

"There should be no problem unless they take us to some remote area which is a higher altitude.

"I remember being in Guadalajara (Mexico) in 1996 and that was very high. We all suffered from the combination of heat and altitude.

"I've got my eye on the heat. What I've tried to do in the last few days is to run during the hotter parts of our days but the weather has not been co-operating."

Donawa is part of a trio - including Jamal Hart and Ashley Couper - representing Bermuda at the belated meet.

The championships were originally scheduled for the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba last November but were postponed due to a dearth of entries. In late January, it was announced that they were rescheduled for Mexico.

However, several athletes picked for Bermuda's men's squad in November cannot make the trip now.

Looking beyond Mexico, Donawa disclosed he would compete in some more local races and possibly at some track meets in the United States in a bid to qualify for the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the CAC Games in Grenada in July and ultimately at the Pan-American Games in the Dominican Republic in August.

Another event on his calendar is the May 24 Marathon Derby which he has yet to win.

And with multiple winner Kavin Smith having not appeared in any road races this year, the 2003 edition of the annual classic might present Donawa with his best opportunity so far.