Start at the back?

My little cyclocross experience has taught me quickly that you need to start near the front to have a good chance of finishing near the front.  Going into the race in Elyria on Sunday I planned for this. Instead of just moderately clipping in and get going, I instead focused on a quick clip in and sprint to the hill.  I managed to round the 180 on the hill around 7th.  This all seemed good until my body told my mind that my fitness is 100% gone.  I couldn't make power on the road, I was slow in the soft stuff, and then I gave up climbing the hill.  I got passed, and passed, and passed by what seemed like hundreds of riders.   I continued drifting backwards and telling myself how bad I suck in the fall and am horrible at cyclocross.  I ended up not having much fun at this race.  


Now looking back, my biggest mistake was learning from experience.  I instead should have started at the back and worked my way forward.  I wouldn't of had a chance to compete with the top 10 but I probably would have finished higher than 40th or whatever and would have had more fun.  So for all those that suck like me, take my advice and start at the back and then work forward.  Much better winning small battles then losing everything.