I'll bet you are getting faster. I'll bet you're going to amaze yourself in your next race...by the way, have you decided whether you're doing the marathon or the half-marathon yet?

I'll use any kind of gels available. I like the vanilla, berry, and lemon-lime ones better than chocolate and tangerine, but that's just a personal flavor preference. In my experience, the different kinds of gels work about the same, but I'd try them out before race day in case one kind or another doesn't sit well with you. I'd be wary of using too many of the caffienated ones because caffiene is a diuretic and you might have to go to the bathroom/get dehydrated, but they're great for the end of a long run when you're running low on energy.

I think if nothing else, the gels keep you from running too low on carbs, and since your brain runs on carbs it's harder to stay mentally focused when your brain's running on the edge of glycogen depletion. I get up early before a long run to get a full breakfast too so I'm sure to have enough energy.

You ask me a question, you get an essay. :-)

~Bethany