First of all, I want to thank everyone for the excellent information that they have shared on the forum. I have learned so much from all of you!

I have been running 5k and 10k runs over the past year and have decided to take it to the next level...I'm planning on running in a half-marathon in May 2006. And, if all goes well - maybe a full-marathon in 2007. I've done a lot of research on training programs and plan on going by the Hal Higdon's Half-Marathon Training Guide. And, since I have 9 months to train -- I think I'll be well prepared (endurance-wise).

So, here are my questions:
I have heard a lot on message boards about energy gels. Could anyone tell me exactly what they are and if they are safe? Where could I purchase them? Would they also help on 10k runs or are they only for longer distances?

Thank you!!

Good luck in your preparations, you've got plenty of time. Start out slowly in your training and don't worry about pace for a while. Energy gels are safe and entirely not necessary for a half marathon (although they do give them out at some and some people use them). They are basically a quick dose of carbs. If you train yourself properly and pace yourself properly you don't need them at all in a half. They are primarily to help build your glycogen stores when you are running a race where you are likely to deplete all of your glycogen, which would generally occur after about 20 miles.

I agree with formation flyer. You don’t need a sport gel to run a half marathon. I’ve run 27 of them and have made do with water, or occasionally a sport drink when it was available at the aid station.

That said, I don’t think it could hurt and might even give you a little psychological boost. However, I’d practice ingesting them on training runs before in a race. I’ve started using them before long training runs as a way to keep my stomach from growling, but I haven’t taken any during a run. It’s a handy solution for those times when I wake up hungry, but don’t want to eat breakfast then have to wait for it to digest before I go out and run.

It’s a good idea to follow a schedule, such as the one by Hal Higdon that you are doing. You are far better off doing this than following the advice of friends or just winging it. I can’t think of any sport where such a difference can be made by training methodology as running. Smart training can make a huge difference.

Good luck in your race

Kaari,
Just my input but... I run much slower then most of these speed demons out here. I train with and use gel packs during my long runs. I figure on taking a gel around 45 - 60 minute mark. I figure out what water station is closest to this time frame and use that as a gage to when I take gels. You really need to wash them down.
Good luck with your first half next spring!
Bu