In 1976 the U.S. took second and fourth. 1972 was the year of Prefontaine and Frank Shorter. This was also the time of Jim Ryun, Jack Batchelor, Marti Liquori, and many others. Read and develop a love for your sport. You will not regret it.
Experience comes on many levels.
Run with people who know the sport. Seek out the runners in your area who have experienced both success and failure. Go to running camps. Camps can offer insights and experiences with other runners from around the country. The Camp Guide on this website is a great way to research camps that might work for you.