In reply to Shaunhaynes99:
The simple answer is that if gels are working for you, use gels.
However, realistically you do not need “nutrition” for a half marathon distance run. Your body will easily retain enough glycogen to fuel a run of that distance, probably further. Conventional wisdom, says that this becomes an issue at 16-18 miles.
Try running half distance without, or at least significantly reduce your intake, from say three during the run to one after an hour. Your body has more than enough energy to run much further than a half marathon, but sometimes you have to trick it a bit. Remember a standard gel only has enough energy to fuel you for about a mile, so its effect is as much psychological as it is physical.
Swilling and spitting out an energy drink is a good trick, as it fools your brain for a bit whilst minimising the risk of GU issues.
I have raced 20 miles (2:10) without any additional nutrition during the race and have done the same and further in training, sometimes up to four hours if off road. My wife ran a 25 minute marathon PB (3:24) without any additional nutrition, or indeed water. I am not suggesting that you should necessarily try this, but it is to demonstrate that it can be done other ways.
I personally have a bit of a problem with gels, I get GU issues pretty quickly if I take them, so have adopted other strategies. When I look at the guidance that the gel companies produce in terms of how much of their product you should take during races, it really makes me feel quite ill.