I could've gotten in as early as May, but they weren't offering any Ground contracts, so my next opportunity is in October. As you alluded, it may be a blessing in disguise, because then I have plenty of time to get my run time down. At the same time, it means I really have to get in in October. I can't keep living paycheck to paycheck.
I do stick to a running program, but its very difficult to stick to in the winter months. Icy conditions and whatnot making running quite hazardous. At one point, I was running two miles every day, but I found after a month that it was really sapping me of energy. I then resorted to a training program generated by Runnersworld.com which I try to stick to. When the weather gets better, I plan to take full advantage of it and become the great runner I know I can be.