re: OT runners!!! Advice needed

It is a half, not a full or an ultra. Don't get psyched out over the distance. Gel may give you a psychological boost but you shouldn't have issues with glycogen depletion at that distance. Off of an 8 mile long run you should easily finish the half. You should consider increasing your weekly long run by 10-15 percent every two weeks. There is no real need for a taper as you are not running for time. Enjoy the race, pace yourself, stay hydrated and reward yourself afterwards for a job well done.

I recommend Jack Daniels' book if you want to learn how to properly train for medium distance races.

Have fun half marathons are a fun distance and great intro's to the world of long distance running.

I've never ran a race longer than what I've practiced. I'd give it a shot though.