Trainwreck at the Ironhorse

EVENT: CLEBURNE IRONHORSE SPRINT
CLASS: F 40-44
RESULTS : 6TH AG

Local Knowledge: Raced this race last year and knew the course was pretty much flat and fast! I knew the run was inclined on the out and decline on the way back. The weather was perfect!! I was looking forward to this race since last year and I love the outside pool!

Warm up and Strategy: I rested well the nights before the race. My day started with the usual PB and honey, a little taste of cofffee and sipped a water on the way. I warmed up in the pool with a few laps and felt great! I was excited and ready to race. We even made it to the race site without driving in circles or asking for directions like we usually do! (There were 3 sets of different directions to the site).

Psychology: I am more race experienced, I knew the course, I warmed up, I was rested and was ready to beat last year's time and maybe even set a PR or 2. My plan was to swim calm, controlled and with speed. I was going to do my T1 and T2 well. Hammer the bike and run. Especially the first 1/2 of the run because I knew I could use the downhill to my advantage on the way back.

All that was for not. I performed worse in all three areas and was actually a min SLOWER than last year!!

Lessons, Goals, Fitness: I am going to try to wrap all three things right here.
I had in my mind all these goals. I had it all planned. I felt GREAT! I don't know what happened. I have been racking my brain for almost 2 weeks trying to figure it out. I have questions. What happened? I got boxed in and out during the swim. I was trying to pass a guy(s) at the wall and got nudged out. I don't know if it was because I am a girl or what. It is frustrating. It happened twice. Did that contribute to the rest of the race falling apart? (I did either pass those same guys in T1 or on the bike though!!) :)
On the bike and run I felt like I was pushing it. . I tweaked my hamstring a couiple weeks ago. Did that contribute? I dunno. I train all the time. I run, swim, bike, BRICK so I know my fitness is there.

I guess the biggest thing I learned is that sometimes your mind can say GOGOGOGO!!! but your body says NONONO!!! I will not let this drag me down. Although I was sad for a few days.
I would like to think this happens to all of us from time to time. I am ready for the next race!