While runner Kavin Smith re-establishes himself on the roads after a break of more than a year, rival Tracy Wright, who along with Brett Forgesson virtually dominated the running scene in his absence, has decided to cut down on the events in which he competes.

However, Wright insists his decision has nothing to do with Smith's return but rather a combination of the need to take a break and the lack of consistent training because of a second job which has him working five nights a week.

"I've had a long season already, from last season too,'' said Wright yesterday. "I started feeling tired in the CAC Cross Country Championships (at Belmont golf course in February) and it's a combination of things, doing a lot of races and not getting enough rest.

"I took a little break and trying to get myself back into shape is kind of hard because I can't get out to train like I would like to. I've been able to get to the gym in my lunch hour. I only have an hour for lunch and sometimes it's not enough time to do a good training run so I go to the gym instead.'' Wright, 31, has raced against Smith twice since the latter returned to competition. On each occasion Smith won the duel, first in the Tropicana/Wheels 10K early last month when Wright was fourth and Smith second and then three weeks ago in the Evian 10-miler which Smith won and Wright finished second.

But Wright isn't about to throw in the towel. His next major race is likely to be the May 24 Marathon Derby, an event he won five years ago, and he continues to squeeze in training runs whenever he has the time.

"Last night I went out for two hours, 10.30 to 12.30,'' said Wright who was seen by a mutual friend of himself and Smith.

"When people see me out there late night, I'm just going for a run after I've knocked off,'' Wright disclosed, adding that he could soon be working in a new department at his regular job which could also cut into his lunchtime training schedule.

"In order to train good I have to have enough rest. I'm still going to run, that's the way I am, but I know I'm not going to be in great shape if I continue to work late hours. But I have to pay bills, too.'' In Smith's absence over the last year, Wright ran away with the cross country series while Brett Forgesson was his main challenger on the roads.

Smith won last Sunday's Stanley Burgess eight mile race which both Wright and Forgesson missed.

And though he isn't likely to be in the field for this Sunday's Round the Sound race either, Wright intends to be present for races that are part of the KPMG Peat Marwick series.

"I love racing against Kavin because it makes me work harder to not only beat him but to better my times,'' said Wright. "When we both are in good shape it benefits both of us. Even though we are friends when it comes to competition it makes us work harder to do better.'' Wright's schedule at his second job will determine when he will be able to get out on the road more regularly. "Things can change, it's not every week I work the late shift. Sometimes I have the easier shift when I go in for about two hours,'' he explained.

"But right now they are short of staff and have been calling me more to work the longer shifts. I would like to come into May 24 and really be a factor. It makes you want to do your best especially coming into town with the people cheering you along the way. There is no feeling like it.

"I'm going to try to keep that as a focus and try to run as fast as I can. I always give it 100 percent. Most of the races in the series I have already committed myself to so I'll try to keep myself up in the points series.'' After May 24, Wright is looking to the Peachtree 10K in Atlanta, Georgia in early July and then the World Half Marathon later in the year.

The two-day Interschool Sports takes place today and tomorrow at the National Stadium, featuring the best of track and field talent among Bermuda's high school students. Competition begins at 9 a.m. on both days.

A total of 11 high schools will be represented. The relays, which normally produce a thrilling finale, are scheduled for tomorrow starting at 3.00 p.m.