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I don't think you can compare yourself to people who plan for the IE (on a short timeline, lol) before even having a CCNA. Yes, ive gone through the entire R&S track... My recommendation is to do the same. There are a boat loads of topics that are covered on the CCNP that aren't covered on the CCIE(MPLS, VPN, VoIP, etc). Even though each of those are covered on a very basic level it gives you enough to get your feet wet, so to speak.
I look forward to gleaning some knowledge from you.Good Luck on your goal. I think you'll find the end result very rewarding. As far as what "is" and "isn't" realistic depends entirely on the person.
If you are coming into it with less overall experience, you will probably find yourself giving up more of your personal time then someone who has more experience. Again, all depends on your study timelines and when you have to take the exam.
I studied for 5-6 months before taking the Lab. My studying during this time was purely hands-on in a lab. I averaged about 3 eight hour sessions a week during that time. Friday through Sunday were off days for me and I could do whatever I wanted. Mon - Thurs was 2-3 8 hour labs and some random research/study with the DOC cd. For me personally, studying 7 days a week will get me burned out quickly. The off days helped my mind to rest and relax. The week or two before the lab is when you can push yourself every day. Just take off the last 2-3 days before ur lab. I have been in the field about 9 years, but that doesn't mean I couldn't have taken the IE 8 years ago.
So you don't always have to give up your personal life to attain a CCIE it all depends on your timeline I guess. I only gamed once a week and had Fri- Sun to do whatever. If I shortened my timeline from 5 months to 2-3, that would have been a different story.
You should probably set aside 6-8 months to do labs only. You should be familiar with theory and configurations before starting labs. I would say to try to average 3 -8 hour mock labs a week. If you think you can handle more, you can probably be ready sooner. Also spend time researching the DOC cd and other topics you are finding weaknesses.
You may consider skipping the CCNP tests so you can spend time/money on the CCIE side of things. However, if they are free to take and there are incentives to do so, go for it (raise). With such an aggressive timeline, you will be better off doing labs then trying to prep for taking the CCNP tests. The CCNP books and such are all applicable to the IE blueprint, but use your time wisely. Don't skip the material, but you may want to skip the tests based on your timeline.
Go in with the mindset that you have prepared well and ready to take it. Keep it in the back of your mind that "you're ok with having to take it again" which will help calm the nerves. When you do practice labs, pretend like your doing the real thing, don't expect to know everything. Get used to the feeling of not being able to rattle every command off the top of your head. Make sure you know how to look things up. Don't think you can't pass it the first time because it's possible, I assure you
also, if you start losing motivation, just pass the written and schedule ur lab exam. That will jump start ya!
good luck
ted