Well I don't remember how it went for me back when I won in 2003, but I do know that if it really comes down to it, I can turn out between 8k and 10k in one (non-showering, non-school-going, tv-dinner-eating, very painful) day. That varies from person to person of course, but I think most people can make up a couple thousand words a day if that deadline really starts looming.

Being behind won't kill your chances, I promise. Just keep digging!