"We don't take time off." This ain't no corny No Fear logo either. Nike commercial? Nope. When Penn junior John Horrocks of the men's cross country team explains that after a grueling 8K race on Saturdays, "we don't do a hard workout the following day, generally 10 to 15 miles on our own time," it is clear that he is not boasting. It's just part of the routine. Just 10 to 15 miles. Only Forrest Gump can match those numbers. As the Penn men's cross country team heads to Lafayette tomorrow morning for the Leopard 8K Invitational, it will be the last opportunity for many to smooth their racing kinks before the district championship IC4As commence next weekend in New York City. For others who will take it easy and "rest," this weekend gives them a chance to recuperate from injuries and, moreover, a break from the constant drain of the season. "A lot of guys are resting [this weekend]," said Penn senior captain Paolo Frescura, who will also miss this weekend to nurse an aggravated hip injury. "The point is for guys who haven't had a good race or need to work on a few things to just show up and get a good one in." The Quakers look composed heading into this weekend as they attempt to fend off Williams, Maryland, Bucknell and Lafayette, whom the Quakers defeated last weekend at Lehigh. Despite the absence of several key Quakers, Penn coach Charlie Powell expects a strong performance from his squad, namely from Horrocks and sophomore Scott Clayton, who ran last weekend despite a sudden illness. "Lafayette will be sitting out their top three, and Williams was senior-heavy last year," Horrocks said, "so we should be able to get a good race in before the big ones." Penn has lightened their mileage in preparation for the upcoming championships. Its total workload will decrease by 10 miles to 70 miles per week, as distance is sacrificed for higher intensity. "It is just a question of whether we are healthy and ready to run at the same time," Frescura said. "We're looking competitive. Last week was not an indication of what we can do. We are racing to win."
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