KSH - you are soooooooo on the way. Honestly, you're training as much if not more than I was at this point in my program last year. You're going to do great. And I totally understand about "the groove". I love the focus and intensity of training for something like this. I really miss it when I'm not in a structured program.
Good luck and keep it coming.
Living life like there's no tomorrow.
http://gorgebikefitter.com/
2007 Look Dura Ace
2010 Custom Tonic cross with discs, SRAM
2012 Moots YBB 2 x 10 Shimano XTR
2014 Soma B-Side SS