Yesterday Mr Shallot competed in his first ITU sanctioned triathlon – OSIM Hong Kong Triathlon ITU Asian Cup. This is the first triathlon in HK that we had been to that had music.

At every triathlon in Australia that we’ve been to, aside from music, there is always a triathlon expo and/or sales pavilions for all manner of paraphernalia that you could possibly want as an athlete. Everyone that participates has been fooled at one time or another that having just the right ‘pick any expensive piece of equipment’ would significantly improve their swim/bike/run leg. No-one is immune to this with even Duncan Armstrong, a recent convert to triathlons, having been sucked into this phenomenon.

As predominantly a runner, I tend to ‘need’ the better running clothes, shoes, hat, sunglasses, sweat-resistant socks that still let my feet breathe and then all the same gear again for the colder weather, the warmer weather, the just-so weather and also if it rains. I will be the first to admit that the only thing that could really help my running significantly would be to train more effectively. All the gear though motivates me to run in the first place. A simple cost-benefit analysis means if I don’t run, all the money spent on this gear to improve my running will have gone to waist and would have been better spent on Smiths Salt & Vinegar Chips.

This is the first triathlon in HK that we have been to that has the Expo / Sales type set up. I ‘need’ a new pair of sunglasses for everyday wear. I purchased my Rudy Projects (easily the best pair of sports glasses that I have ever owned – they don’t make me go faster but I look fast) from one of these Expos previously and spoke with the guy for 30 minutes while he explained their entire range, what each of the lenses did and what was the right lens for me based on when I run, how far I go and so on. I can also use them cycling.

I figured the same thing will happen here so I went to the Oakley tent and picked out a pair of sunglasses which looked more on the casual side than sporty. I asked the price and as I expressed my surprise at how expensive they were (always a good reaction if you think you may need to bargain) I asked what was so special about the lenses. The woman looked at me, looked at the glasses and said “They are brown”.

I thought I’d give her a chance to save herself because the colour certainly didn’t justify the price (should have been gold if that was the criteria). I also thought perhaps I’d asked the wrong question which I do tend to do. My next question was “So, what kind of weather should I wear these in?” I expected to hear something along the lines of “They’re ok in full sun but not looking out on water” given they didn’t look like they had polarized lenses or that they were “UVA and UVB resistant so blah blah blah”. Instead, I was told “They would be good to wear on a day like today”.

While the day was very hot, it was overcast and not particularly glary – may as well wear these sunglasses at night for all the use they appeared to be.

Nice shade of brown but no sale.

* Thanks to Corey Hart for the title to this post. Little known fact – he was asked to be Marty McFly in Back to the Future (according to wikipedia)