Yeah, this was my third race ever. Lots of these dudes are doing this all season every year. They live for fall/winter cross. I'm just the noob trying to shove my nose in the door.
I'm just now learning things about tires, pressures, and things that are second nature to them they don't think about.
For that 14th I also easily lost big time twice per lap over the barriers. On flat ground or downhill I'm fine. These were both uphill. I suddenly couldn't remount my bike and would lose spots and time. Two barrier sets per lap times three laps. That's a lot of wasted time and energy. Something to practice though. Uphill remounts.
I think starting now also working on my bunny hop. Start with a flat 2x4. Then turn the 2x4 sideways. Then speed up a little more. Then a little more. Etc..... I'm not good at that. It's not hopping barriers, but little 4 to 5" logs they put on the course. Need to get that down.