When I was starting out I played the huge hours too - I used to run home for lunch at school and play. An hour in the morning, half at lunch, and three after school. Hardcore. Music is still my life but I play maximum two hours a day, rarely three, and of late missing a day or two a week. Funny thing is, I feel like I'm progressing more than back then. Decent practicing methods is an art in itself to be learned maybe.