Oh, I feel your pain ;-). I think I did that premix once at a time when I thought I was pretty advanced, that premix definatley took me down a peg or two.
I just got a new real step yesterday I think I will do that one to break it in. Previously I was using a dinky step that wasn't very long.
I will anticipate crying and cursing but after I will feel like a warrior! The best feeling ever!