Beginner MTB rider—struggled on first real trail ride, need tips

Hey all, I’m new to mountain biking and took my 29er hardtail out on some beginner trails at my local park. It was fun, but I really struggled—especially on the climbs.

Biggest issue: hitting roots and rocks on ascents, especially when they were nearly parallel to my front tire. My wheel would get deflected or slip off the obstacle which would mess up my balance, and I’d either overcorrect or have to take a foot (or both) off the pedals, or slip a pedal (shins got wrecked), which all made things worse because I’d then have to reposition my feet and try to get going again—and then struggle to get going again, which all felt like a momentum-killing cycle.

Would love any beginner tips—body positioning, timing, anything. Thanks!