I once found myself in a 178 second situation. Fortunately the white-out cleared after about 60 seconds but I really was half way there - ground was close and the angle I was at - well.
Did my IMC straight away.
It's not the technical stuff that is important its the flying on instruments bit that will help you, certainly situation awareness when all you can see is the instruments (sometimes in training not all of them) made me a better flyer.
And if the worst came to the worst and although you might not be 'professional' at it, you can always get to an airfield guided by a controller.
It was actually good fun - looking back, but the exam did make me sweat.