Perry out of action since last Summer's Falmouth Race.

And the man who many saw as the main threat to Kavin Smith's domination of the local running scene admits to feeling "pretty depressed'' about having to sit on the sidelines in the middle of the running season.

"I was looking forward to doing the mile and the half-marathon,'' Perry told The Royal Gazette . "I did pretty good last year in the mile without much training.'' Perry placed ahead of Smith in the mile in a time of 4:24.9 as he was 11th overall. However, he has been inactive since last August because of the injury which, in simple terms, is an inflamed tendon on the right kneecap.

"I'm still trying to get rid of that problem,'' Perry said. "I've been going to the gym working out and I've had laser treatment and ultra treatment on the knee which didn't do much. It's just a matter of time before it heals up.'' Perry, 33, is aiming for a full recovery so as to be ready in time for the May 24 Marathon Derby. Last year Perry was second to Smith, almost a minute and a half behind, despite experiencing problems with his knees late in the race.

He says he does not expect the knee will require surgery. "Hopefully if things go well by the end of next month it will be better but I can't say,'' said a disappointed Perry.

He admits it has not been easy watching from the sidelines. "Especially seeing Kavin out there and his times improving,'' he said.

"It would have helped me improve being he has made such big improvements on his times. I don't go to many races, I'd rather be competing than watching.'' Even so, Perry insists he has no intention of coming back prematurely. "I'll know when it's time to come back,'' he said.

"I'm not going to force it. If I try to come back too early it may push my recovery back even further. Things will go back to normal, I'm sure.'' MARK PERRY -- Battling with knee problems.