How to create a blend or gradient that doesn't reach the edge of the shape

i creating shape looks pill... rectangle 2 circles on ends, if will. it's 1 shape. want gradient or blend (what differnce?) has white middle , dark gray edges. white goes along pill horizontally... dark gray above , below white "line" rounded edges of pill shape dark gray. seems easy, can't figure out how it. i'm using cs6.

julie,

 

to resembles straight pill (or capsule) 1 describe, may:

 

1) create outer rounded shape , split two: 1 on top stroke, 1 below solid fill corresponding colour adjacent stroke;

2) select filled path , object>path>offset path, using negative value half width less suitable small amount (1pt or something);

3) change fill of small inner path paler grey or white;

4) select both filled paths , object>blend>make (with smooth or suitable number of steps in object>blend options).

 

to more round pill, may apply horizontal gradients paths in blend, along suitable number of steps.

 

with new version, may use new 3d features.

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