Is it possible to have a successful cross country season only being able to cross train for the majority of the summer? I'm coming from a track season where I was unable to run consistent mileage until mid-April as a result of a navicular fracture in August of the previous year. As a result of poor training, I had a stress reaction again at the end of the track season. Now, I'm cleared to cross train and begin a progression back into running but I was wondering what I should do to ensure I have the aerobic base I need for cross. My PT says that I should be able to healthily build up to 40-45 miles a week in 2 1/2 -3 months.
Currently (and for the next 5 weeks) I'm only allowed to run 3-4 days a week. I have a lot of experience cross training in the past due to other injuries, would doubling up cross training and changing the forms be beneficial on non-running days? (water running for 50 minutes in the morning/elliptical for 35 minutes in the afternoon) Also, should I do cross-training on the days I can run? Finally, has anyone else gone through summer training like this and how successful of a season did you have?