This past summer I was running 70 mpw of mostly high quality mileage. During the beginning of xc I suffered a poplietus tear behind my knee. At the time I was probably in 4:27/ 9:40 shape without any speed under my belt.
My doctor says I should be able to start easy running again in early January. And due to the mechanics of the injury I haven't been able to cross train at all.
Assuming I am fully recovered by january 1, will 5 months of cautious, gradual training be able to get me down to 4:25/9:35 which are the walk on standards for the college I want to go to? (based on academics not running). Take into mind I haven't done any cardio due to the injury so I'm probably severely out of shape. Thanks in advance for any responses.