Hi there,
I had my first attempt at the end of July 08, failed with average of 75%, mostly because of wrong understanding of question requirements, some knowledge gasps and assumptions. After few month of business trips I have booked my next lab date, worked mostly on precision, studiet all that crazy IOS features, management,... reading documentation in and out.. and also learned a lot at work..
I have used TCP/IP Volume I & II, CCNP Self-Study guides, InternetworkExpert (workbooks, blog, forum, COD, bootcamp,..) and readed most of the Cisco's documentation.
Wishing a good luck to everybody persuing CCIE. Not passing CCIE lab is not a failure, it is a path. Now I know I'll have a time to walk around here again

Good Luck !!!