This isn't really going to change my views on running or anything even if the general estimate is not in my favor, because I run purely for the joy of running. Here's all the stats I can (easily) compile about myself.
Age: 14
Weight: 140lbs
Height: 5ft 5in
Bodyfat: ~20% (At this weight, I can drop 14lbs of fat with no side effects/impacts)
Genetics: I come from a country that has produced almost no success in athletics and even less success in running. The few athletic successes the country has produced has been in strength sports. That being said, there are a few exceptions. I feel like this is most in part due to the general apathy surrounding athletics.
Progression:
5th Grade: Haven't done a mile yet, but I know for a fact I was overweight
6th Grade: 8:40 - 8:20 - 7:59 (No prior training)
7th Grade: 8:13 - 7:28 - 7:46 (First MS XC Season)
8th Grade: 7:46 - 6:47 - 6:09 (Second MS XC Season + Offseason)
I run usually 4 - 5 days a week on a path that's almost exactly 5K. My motivation wasn't really to get better or faster (which is why I didn't have a formal training plan), but mostly for the joy of running. Now I'm on an actual training plan given to me by the HS Coach. So, here's some questions I have:
1. How fast can a guy like me get with the proper dedication and effort in the on and off-season? (Please use mile times, 5K times are too complicated for us middle schoolers!)
2. Is having a very high academic standard while being fast generally attainable? (For reference, a lot of my peers think I'm dumb for some reason, but a lot of them also think I'm smart. I haven't gotten less than an A in 4 years though)