Tim,

Welcome to R/C thrills and spills! We've all done it. The advantage you've just experienced is the reason so many of us suggest a trainer as your first plane, and the idea of getting help from an experienced R/C flyer.

You get the advantage of being able to learn, without the frustration and expense of crashing.

As you said, keep at it, and soon you'll be flying without the shaking knees.