[HCRA] Learning Code - sending helps?

[Kevin F. Berrien]

I've decided to earn my general by going via element 3 (written) first, 
thereby getting my study habits back before the harder code test.  While 
I actively study the written element, I'm trying to get my code 
regiment/methods ready.  In my initial studying, I found Ham University 
& G4FON Koch with KochRX, as I can respond via keyboard (my carpel 
tunnel hands have trouble with lots of writing), seem to be the best for me.

I'm looking at learning code as being a lot like learning to type.  You 
just keep doing mundane practice and it slowly clicks.  While learning 
to type, besides learning finger placement its a lot of hands on, 
muscle/mind training.  Its as much a mental activity as a training 
physical one, where mind and fingers work as one.  Its that "physical 
memory" thing.

Do you think its all that helpful to practice sending code while in the 
process of learning.  Ie, help the mind learn the code through the 
"physical memory" type effect?  Or, as one learns the sounds of letters, 
does one while sending, perhaps, focus more on the components of the 
sound (dot/dash) and get caught in the "counting" effect?

Kevin N1VMJ