Getting back up to speed after running injury?

[runningLou]

After running a half marathon in October last year I've found myself struggling these past few months with aches and pains, and then have been off running completely these last 3 weeks after a knee ligament injury.
Finally getting back into it, slowly, now, but my times are sooo bad!!
What's the best way of picking up speed again and getting back to previous level of fitness?

Don't rush to get back to where you were before. Take it gradually building up both times and distances. When you are running comfortably and are sure you've got rid of those niggles you could try interval training! Oh and regular sports massages can be great to head off problems.
I had 3 months of absolutely no running last year(post op) and am now running better and faster than ever by doing the above.

Agreed with brainwashed - frustrating as it is, you must go slowly. I speak from bitter experience - went back too soon, too fast after minor pain in heel, ended up with stress fracture, moon boot, no running for months.
I know some people have found returning from injury has reminded them why they run in the first place, as they are forced to go slow, ignore times, distances, splits etc etc, and just enjoy the feeling of running...