I was in the wrong gear
You're trying to look cool while running, but you're actually just a mess in the wrong gear. You're like a confused cow at a rodeo, and you say 'I was in the wrong gear' like it's a royal decree.
I was in the wrong gear. I thought I was in the fast lane, not the slow lane.
I was in the wrong gear. I was trying to be Bondi King, not a Bondi Beggar.
I was in the wrong gear. I was just trying to keep up with my mate.