Jason wrote - "As of now, I'd say I wouldn't be interested in a contest until 2017. Is that realistic.. a whole year of getting ready?"

If you focus on and accomplish your C, Bronze, and Silver badges in 2016, the plan to fly a contest in 2017 is quite realistic. Especially if you spend some time in the winter of 2016 - 2017 reading up on contest flying.

Go for it!

Lou