Runners knee (still)

If it is persisting, then we can rule out it just being some kind of knee bursitis (usually a few weeks to recover). It's not traditional runner's knee in the sense that it doesn't seem to be overall leg tightness causing a pull on something like the IT band, though it could be a pull on your knee from something happening lower in the leg. So let's just look at it for what it is -- some kind of vague injury to your patellar tendon or its connections. The problem with tendons is that they carry almost zero blood. Notice in pictures how they are white and not red or pink? This means they take much longer to recover, because they aren't getting regular bloodflow to heal the areas. Tendon injuries take a while to heal and if it's a repetitive stress running injury, then continuing to run threatens to continue to stress it, which means the injury will persist.

Was this change with your shoes recommend by a running podiatrist? If not, you may be messing around in the wrong direction.

If you are going to take any time off or reduce training, do it before the season starts. That means like right now. Maybe try cross training that won't give repetitive stress impact -- such as swimming or pool running -- for several of your workouts. Before you laugh remember that even Galen Rupp put in significant miles on an underwater treadmill just to reduce impact stresses and others use the Alter-G treadmill. You don't have that luxury, but you should still reduce impact stress.

You should also be transparent with your coach so he can take it easy with you the first couple of weeks. Throw pride to the wind and don't worry about teammates thinking you're a chump for starting the season pampering your knee.

Man up and run through it

Can you get a consult with a PT? I can sympathize as I am dealing with a similar issue. Massage therapy seemed to help but the knee issue came back the day after a harder run. My hip strength is weak right now. PTs I've spoken with recommend strengthening the VMO and stretching the lateral side if the leg/hip. Also foam rolling. I could be treating myself more aggressively (hip/thigh strength daily/icing/massage and frequent foam rolling) but have not done all these things as consistently as I should. If I were you, I wouldn't freak out about performance expectations. I'd try to get a PT or athletic trainer to help guide me through recovering. It will take patience on your part, but you'll do better your senior year and on if you don't push through pain and you take the time to figure out where you need to strengthen. You'll be stronger in college too (if that is in your plans) if you take the time now.