This is not a post about a specific training regimen, but rather a high level philosophical outlook.
The truth is, in distance running only about 6-8 people matter during any given Olympic cycle. The rest don't have much chance to win major races or have a lucrative professional career. Unfortunately this means elite coaches have no choice but to view their athletes like race horses: you need to know what you have early, which necessitates burning guys out. In short, you need high quality through out to identify top tier talent, even that means a lot of people wash out.
We need to stop fearing burn out and accept it as part of the process. Over the course of an elite athletes career, maybe 2-3 guys will win Olympic gold at their chosen distance. Coaches can't afford to take it slow and wait for late bloomers. We need to push in high school and even harder in college. By 22 the dream is over: the half dozen meaningful runners have already been sorted out. It's not good for any given individual, but very good for high end results from those who tolerate it.