RE: Keeping the Plane in GOOD SHAPE?
As Korp suggested - have a routine. If, for whatever reason, that routine is interrupted start over.
A trimming side bar - when flying if you adjust the trim on the transmitter so that the plane will fly straight-n-level take the time during your post flight inspection to go ahead and adjust the controls mechanically so that you can return the transmitter's trim back to neutral. When just starting out your instructor may trim various controls. If you're not sure what changes need to be made "mechanically" ask the instructor / experienced modeler to help.
Watch out for the corners and stairwell - they just JUMP out and bite fins, stabs and wing tips [:@]