How often have situations beyond your control....

I've lost count of the times Murphy arrived to foil the day - that's why I learned many years ago to be flexible. If Plan A fails, have a Plan B., and if Plan B looks sketchy, play it by ear!

Not at all actually. Every set back has only either been a short term delay, or my own failure to either, plan, prepare, or use my time wisely. I have a hard time blaming anything but myself for missing my goals.

Where was this competition supposed to be?

I lost count. But sometimes they are just bumps along the road, delayed achievement rather than wasting goals.
And sometimes goals change along with bumps.

I had a story about tweaking the strands of fate to get what I wanted.

But I'd say at least once a year.