In the last month, I was watching my nephew making Lego.
He tried, demolished, and retried. He was enjoying his play.

Just getting Block of Lego for kids is not enough. Still, they learn some designs from others like youtube videos, front covers of Lego boxes, or watching someone assemble Lego on-site. Then, they give it a try, and most times, they fail to make a design what you imagined. But kids learn here that what blocks work for a goal design and what doesn't. 
 When they think of having not enough blocks to make a design complete or make it a better plan, they may ask to buy new parts. However, this time is different than the first time kids asked parents to get Lego. They get a new one because they know they need it, not just want it.
The matter here is if they can think after each try, no matter how the result is.


The same holds for running. Imagine when you race and the result is not what you hoped.  I see many runners who say, "I need to train more," and increase their volume or intensity. 
On the other hand, good runners think what ability is not good enough to meet your goal. It's not always a weakness of physical strength but also mental strength and race strategy. When they think the chance is in endurance, then they put more volume on the training schedule because they need it.
For the latter case, they plan how much volume they increase for a given period. But the former case, the runner's ideas are abstract, and often, an increase in volume or intensity is inconsistent. For example, some do a hard session the day after a race. 
The big difference here is whether they act in mind or emotion. 

From the book "Out of thin air."  A good quote from one Ethiopian coach is, "The successful ones are the ones who watch with their eyes and think with their minds before they move their legs. The ones who run on emotion only can't make it."

For the excellent thinker, both Lego kids and runners above, they think where you are and how far to their goal, then move on with a conscious mind.
Thinking after any experience is one of the most enjoyable parts. It leads you to a long quest, given that it takes a long time to top on your potential in any field, which is also the most important.