"You cannot renounce that which you have never possessed."
Denton in Once a Runner.
Why do so many people think that high mileage is going to destroy them. Or similarly blame high mileage for the fall of great runners. JK's philosophy appears to be similar to what the Kenyans/Eurpoeans are doing now and having a great deal of success with. Why not emulate the best? So much talent is wasted in the US collegiate system by over racing and neglecting long term development.
The basics are simple and little will change of our lifetime. ( I believe gene therapy will play a huge role in athletics in the near future and may lead to some serious misunderstandings about training.)
1. Progressive overload. Judge an athlete based on where he seems himself/herself in 2 years and how they believe they will get there. Mediocre times now may lead to world class times if the progression is well planned.
2. Consistency. Racing every weekend does not leave time for structured training and proper development. Choose a period of time you which to race and plan the entire year around it. Peaking for 3 championships is counter-productive. Long periods of training with little interruption (injuries, racing, sickness..) are what lead to great times.
3. Mileage. As much as you may all despise the idea of high mileage, the more time you put into anything the greater the reward. The increases need to be progressive however, but the body will adapt to any stimulus you impose upon it.
4. Recovery: Ensure adequate rest for the demand you impose. That is why the big boys don't work 45 hours a week, they train and rest.
5. Specificity/individuality. Work on your weaknesses and make you plan individual to your needs.
Finally, understand the physiology behind the process and you will see the big picture and realize that how you race next week is not as important as the months of uninterrupted training you will endure in the future.