Cannibalism banned at Half-Ironman. Ironman still fair game.

If your calves are giving out midrace should you eat someone else's? Should you choose the lean calf of a well-trained healthy Ironman or a sedentary calf?

USA Triathlon federation announced new rules for short course triathlons disallowing using others' body parts and fluids for fuel and liquid replenishment. Long course Ironman events with fuel stations more than 10 miles apart may still allow this practice under directors' discretion. Stricter regulations demand that the heart rate of the consumed athlete has dropped to 0 for at least 5 minutes. Failure to abide by the new rules may result in 15 minute time penalty or disqualification.

Are the new USAT rules affecting your race strategy? When should you eat some calf to improve your race performance? We'll discuss such everyday questions in light of the new rules in subsequent posts.