I got to disagree with this. Not the part about Valby and Cook being injured…that really is too bad for both. But there was no code being cracked…they were immensely talented runners who trained differently at a younger age. Personally, and by that I simply mean this is my opinion, I don’t believe high mileage is necessary at the younger ages (JH and HS). I doubt there is much difference between a 16 year old running 30 MPW and cross training , and a similar runner who does 60MPW.
But getting to the NCAA level, and getting to that 18-22 age, I do believe your training has to intensify….so while people like Cook/Valby may be less inclined to be injured coming out of HS, they are just as likely to be injured at the next level, or maybe even more-so as their bodies are not used to it.
Anyway, that’s all conjecture. I do give Cook extreme credit for lining up and running the 5 k. I assume she is coming off injury and wanted to run for the experience. Good for her!