by Harry Hall

This is a continuation of the USA Cross Country Championships coverage in the March 2003 issue of Inside Texas Running. For a complete recap of all the harrier action, pick up a copy of that issue.

Deena Drossin says that, although she has a busy racing season ahead of her, rest is an important part of her workout regimen.

"If you are doing lots of work," she says, "but not resting, you aren't getting better. You improve during the rest phase of your program."

She says she manages lots of rest, even now, with a grueling schedule of 110-130 miles per week (although she admits to tapering a bit before her recent US Cross-country national victory).

But don't look for her to get in any extended rest soon. Two weeks after the World Cross-country Championships in Switzerland during the weekend of March 29-30, she will be in England for the London Marathon.

"I take one season at a time," says the seven time US cross- country champion.

After London, she'll take a short break before track season begins, when she hopes to improve on her PRs of 14:46 (5K) and 30:52 (10K).