One little bit of advice that may save you an airplane... Don't get fixated on making the runway. After some flying experience you'll most likely be able to hit the runway 9 times out of 10, but if you'll just get the plane turned into the wind and try to set it down gently in a clear spot it will probably suffer no damage. Remember, it's better to walk to retrieve your plane in one piece than crash it trying to stretch a glide that just ain't there. Just relax and land the airplane. A dead stick landing isn't usually a problem. Just don't try to force it by turning sharp at low altitude and airspeed lest the ground rise and smite thee.