Sure - The book
Run Less, Run Faster has a couple experienced authors backed by Runners World.
They took marathon runners and trained them "differently". Instead of logging miles, they concentrated on three specific running workouts each 7 days. One is sprint interval based (to increase top speed), one is pace based (to train in the speed to use for the actual event), and the last is distance based (for endurance).
The times and activities for these three workouts are specific based on an individual's current state.
Three other days of the week include non-running aerobic exercises.
Their results show marathon runners having specific and definite improvement in an event after this training schedule.
I'm not interested in a marathon, but have only 3 days a week to train, so it appeals to me. I use my mid-week sessions for speed and pace workouts, and try to get long sessions in on the weekend. (I added a "hill" workout and alternate that in - it appears marathoners don't have to climb up and down hills like we do;-)
I found a copy in my local library;-)