Marathon/Triathlon Tattoos

MCOS

I've noticed one or two Ironman tattoos recently and it got me thinking. I personally have no problem with tattoos, I have one and still like it but how popular are sporting tattoos? Is it kind of a tradition to get an Ironman tattoo if you achieve that? What about Marathons or Ultra Races? For example does anyone have the time of a Marathon tattooed?

If you were going to get a Marathon/Tr/IM/Ultra type tattoo, what would it be and why?

I'll definitely get one done sometime but it won't be spur of the moment, I'll know exactly what I want. Hmmm completing the 5 Marathon majors... what would that look like...

robinph

There could be other reasons for them feeling the need to get tattoos prior to competeing in certain events:

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Health/Olympic-Athletes-Use-Drug-Tattoos-To-Cheat-At-Winning-Gold/Article/200808115072261?lpos=Health_4&lid=ARTICLE_15072261_Olympic+Athletes+Use+%27Drug+Tattoos%27+To+Cheat+At+Winning+Gold

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

I've noticed one or two Ironman tattoos recently and it got me thinking. I personally have no problem with tattoos, I have one and still like it but how popular are sporting tattoos? Is it kind of a tradition to get an Ironman tattoo if you achieve that? What about Marathons or Ultra Races? For example does anyone have the time of a Marathon tattooed?

If you were going to get a Marathon/Tr/IM/Ultra type tattoo, what would it be and why?

I'll definitely get one done sometime but it won't be spur of the moment, I'll know exactly what I want. Hmmm completing the 5 Marathon majors... what would that look like...

Emmm if you get one expect to be shunned.

MCOS

robinph wrote: »

There could be other reasons for them feeling the need to get tattoos prior to competeing in certain events:

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Health/Olympic-Athletes-Use-Drug-Tattoos-To-Cheat-At-Winning-Gold/Article/200808115072261?lpos=Health_4&lid=ARTICLE_15072261_Olympic+Athletes+Use+%27Drug+Tattoos%27+To+Cheat+At+Winning+Gold

No Way! Jesus some people want it so so bad and go about it in such bad way

MCOS

tunney wrote: »

Emmm if you get one expect to be shunned.

By who, you? Oh god I better not so... :rolleyes:

Seriously though, ahem.. why?

robinph

The runners of the LI of the Dublin logo might not look too bad, I'd certainly not have Dublin written on me anywhere though.

hunnymonster

tattoo's in general are not my thing. I can't even commit to a hair colour for more than a couple of months, I certainly wouldn't manage a lifetime with body art. The M-dot tattoo is a strange one. Lots of people with what is essentially a corporate logo. You don't see so many people with the McDonald's arch's tattooed on their calf!

--amadeus--

well maybe not the calf



I always said that if I do an IM I'll get the tattoo, not because it's a corporate logo but because of what it represents. If I could think of a suitable marathon tattoo I'd probably do it as well. But then I like tattoo's - I'm working my way through the grades in a martial art and when I get to black belt I'll get a tattoo for that as well.

Not sure why someone would be shunned for a tattoo though? I can see people taking the mick over it if it's not thier thing but shunned?

jlang

I expect people generally don't get the same pride or feeling of achievement after a McDonalds.

Not a tattoo person myself, but for those that are there are worse things to commemorate than training for and doing an Ironman event.

hunnymonster

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Not sure why someone would be shunned for a tattoo though? I can see people taking the mick over it if it's not thier thing but shunned?

How did I know you would get that photo! People would not be shunned for having IM tatt. You know Tunney well enough at this stage to know he pouts a lot of opinions that are not necessarily true.

hunnymonster

--amadeus-- wrote: »

I always said that ifwhen I do an IM I'll get the tattoo, not because it's a corporate logo but because of what it represents.

There, fixed that for you :-) Have you learned to swim yet?;)

baza1976

The tattoo of the olympic rings is one I would like Must get started on my london 2012 plan:P

thirtyfoot

baza1976 wrote: »

The tattoo of the olympic rings is one I would like Must get started on my london 2012 plan:P

Speaking of shunning, someone who gets the Rings tattoo but isn't an Olympian does deserve a shunning (I've seen one or two, its just not right).

Although I hate tattoos, the Olympic Rings is probably the only one I'd contemplate.

pgibbo

--amadeus-- wrote: »

I'm working my way through the grades in a martial art and when I get to black belt I'll get a tattoo for that as well.

A bit off topic, but was curious how you balance MA training and tri training?

hunnymonster

pgibbo wrote: »

A bit off topic, but was curious how you balance MA training and tri training?

pgibbo, are you accusing Amadeus of being a triathlete? I think he can sue for that :-)

Izoard

Back on the tattoo angle...

I suspect that the "professional"/ serious IM'ers amongst us, are more likely to shun the whole tattoo thing, as IM represents something different than the "once in a lifetime" crew (of which I am definitely one...).

I'm not a tattoo merchant, but I'd probably make an exception where IM is concerned.
However, as HM points out, the IM logo is a tad "corporate"...kinda like the look of that Eireman one though...

--amadeus--

Hey I am dodgy photo king!! I know Tunney can be *ahem* controversial, but no harm in having different opinions, I was genuinley curious as to why you'd shun someone with a tat...

And no I haven't learned to swim properly, I'm still quite happily doggy paddling and pushing my MTB up hills

pgibbo - bit OT but we can break the convo out if it needs a new thread

I'm a runner not a triathlete but as it happens the Master of the Dojo I go to is a former marathon runner himself. My little lad goes and I really started it as a moral support for him and as a form of cross training. The stretches are great for flexibility, which is a good thing because I am a chronic "non-stretcher" around runs. It's also good for core training and upper body conditioning, other areas I tended to neglect as I hate lifting weights. Finally a lot of MA is based on explosive speed and power, which is the opposite of marathons (endurance) so that also helps. I would imagine that the mental side of things - the discipline, etc - might also help some people.

So that's teh why (which you didn't ask, but anyway). The how is pretty easy. When I am properly training (ie from next week) I run 5 - 7 days a week and the MA is very much secondary. I tend to do MA training on Wed evening so my Wed run is done as early as possible. It's usually a mid length LSR (7 - 15 miles at a slow pace) so it's not too tiring and I'm well enough recovered to do teh MA class that night. There is a new class starting on Thursday as well which I will try to attend. Myself and Jnr also practice a lot round teh house and while it's all a giggle if it's sparring if we are doing technique or forms it's pretty serious (I whup his butt, but he is only 7...!) I do talk to the Master a lot and in teh weeks before a marathon I ease off (ducking out of sparring for example) and I stop the classes altogether in the final weeks.

I think it's the same as any cross training in another sport (football, rugby, etc) - you have to decide which sport takes priority and adjust as you need to.

tunney

I disagree - I am not the only one to hold the opinion that M-dot tattoos are pathetic. I know in the circle of people I train/race with that my opinion of m-dot tattoos is shared and in fact my opinon of them and those that sport them is less extreme than others.

Its hard to take someone seriously who has an m-dot tattoo. People talk about the "journey", "reminds them what it took" etc etc etc. Come on, seriously.

hunnymonster

but would you really shun someone because they had a m-dot tattoo? Whatever about the tatt, that behaviour would be really childish (imo)

tunney

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Hey I am dodgy photo king!! I know Tunney can be *ahem* controversial, but no harm in having different opinions, I was genuinley curious as to why you'd shun someone with a tat...

Shun is too strong a word, I would talk to them Just would always chuckle at them when I saw the tat.

Its a corporate logo for starters.

Secondly do you need to shove it in peoples faces, "look at me I did an Ironman, something you'll never understand, I am an Ironman, you're not"? Fatal flaw in this as well, the completion of an Ironman branded race doesn't make you "an Ironman" winning Kona does.

Not controversial, just less inclined to indulge in back slapping.

tunney

hunnymonster wrote: »

but would you really shun someone because they had a m-dot tattoo? Whatever about the tatt, that behaviour would be really childish (imo)

Shun no.
Think a little less of them yes.

A friend of mine, who is also doing IM austria and could well go under 9 hours HATES anything m-dot. I'm working on his girlfriend, (only recently started going out) to buy him an m-dot watch or something and explain to him "that she understands the importance of the journey he is on" etc etc, and they watch him tear himself apart as he struggles to wear while I rip the pi$$ out of him Hell I'll even buy the watch for him and she can give it to him

hunnymonster

why are ye doing austria if you hate IM brandign so much. Why not Roth or another non-IM race?

tunney

hunnymonster wrote: »

why are ye doing austria if you hate IM brandign so much. Why not Roth or another non-IM race?

I had toyed with Roth but it was an unknown, I don't know that many people thats done it, I don't know where to stay, etc etc.

Nothing wrong with the races. As far as I know the races are absolutely excellent, very well run, safe, and in great locations. There is a minimum standard that has to be met to be IM branded race - you know what you'll get on race day, more or less.

Its not the races I had the issue with at all, its the rest of the branding.
ironman shoes?
ironman writing pads?
ironman necklaces?
ironman cologne?

I love the batman series of films but I'm not going to sleep in batman bed clothes.

hunnymonster

lol,
Where is your sense of Adventure Tunney, Not knowing something is not a good engouh reason not to do it.I would also argue that IM branded races are not in great locations?
Frankfurt - financial city
PCB - spring break hell
Kona - impossible to get to, horrid climate when you do
Zurich - another hideous city
UK - dank weather, homeless race
....


I've done Roth. It's also a great race. Only real differences to a branded race are
1. wave starts
2. much more support than any other IM distance race
There is a running joke that the bike is short but I clocked 184 km on it. I think it's fast because of the support and the excellent marshalling. IMDE for example, you slow on the climbs because people get so close. It was just bad luck with the weather this year that saw so many DNF's. Nuremberg is the place to stay for this race. Roth itself is out in the sticks.

IM expo's are indeed horrendous beasts. IM dog wrap thingies? IM beer glasses? .....

I;m thinking Austria and western Australia for 2010. I should really see if I can go fast before I get tooooooo old.

MCOS

Tunney I do not think that people get a tattoo (example m dot) to push it in anyones face. Also I do not think you can be so opinionated about someone with such a tattoo when you yourself have not had that experience. The same for judging an olympian (even if he/she came last) for having the 5 rings tattooed on their shoulder. The sporting tattoo is a personal reminder of what you experienced or achieved for yourself mostly. The experience can fade somewhat with memory but the tattoo is a trigger back to the feelings you had for the reason you decided to get it. It would be a different story perhaps if someone sported the m dot and hadn't ever ran a mile, but still they have their reason for getting it and surely it represents something for them. The sporting tattoo is an association with a feeling you don't want to forget. A list of marathon times may look like a mess to one person, a fascination to another and a deep sense of fulfillment to the owner. Do you think that the person who has done the IM and chosen to get a tattoo cares that you think it is pathetic? 99.9% of people wouldn't even recognise the m dot or any marathon or ultra logo anyway. I certainly wouldn't have known what the m dot was until recently yet I would have been curious. The fact that a story of someone's journey lies behind it just makes it more interesting.

So, you can only call yourself an Ironman if you win the World Championship? Are you for real?! So when you complete IM Austria are you going still see yourself as just a Triathlete.... watch this space

Woddle

I was never into tats at all but after having a midlife crisis(at 29) I marked the ocassion with a tat and a motorbike, my motorbike got robbed though but at least I'll have the tat forever, and I'm very glad I got it done, I then went on to get a second a few months later and now I'm thinking of a 3rd that will represent my new found love for running but have yet to decide on anything, maybe some mantra, I think donothoponpop posted a thread just before DM or maybe even a marathon time, pref 2:59 Berlin or something but it def wouldn't be to rub it in peoples faces, it's a personal thing that your quite proud of

MCOS

If the branded stuff turns you off so much, would you design your own IM related tattoo?

hunnymonster

woddle, what are the other two? I'm far from an expert but I would imagine there should be some complementarity between all your body art? Like I say, I'm no expert but I do look at the body mod threads occasionally and some of the stuff there is amazing!

MCOS

I have a small Maco Shark on my thigh and 9 years later I still love it. Definitely getting another which why the sporting variety interests me

Woddle

hunnymonster wrote: »

woddle, what are the other two? I'm far from an expert but I would imagine there should be some complementarity between all your body art? Like I say, I'm no expert but I do look at the body mod threads occasionally and some of the stuff there is amazing!

I decided to just use my left upper arm, so the first one starts at my shoulder and twists around my arm down to my elbow, this on is a statement of intent and it was done when my wife left me and the second one is a star that is stretched at its 5 points and in the middle of the star in a circular motion are a few words that hold a place in my heart and this one was done when we reconciled a whole year later . This one still has to be coloured in and when I get the 3rd one done I'll throw up a picture, but because the first one is wrapped around my arm, no one sees the whole sentence

--amadeus--

I don't know if I would do it but this is both subtle and effective


Woodle - that's a couple of times you've mentioned 2:59 and Berlin; is that the new official target?

Woddle

It is indeed, I figure I have lots of time to train, I'm motivated and I won't be doing 3 in 9 weeks to distract me, will you do Berlin yourself or are you just focusing on Rotterdam

shels4ever

Woddle wrote: »

It is indeed, I figure I have lots of time to train, I'm motivated and I won't be doing 3 in 9 weeks to distract me, will you do Berlin yourself or are you just focusing on Rotterdam

Oh a public time so soon.. Best of luck with this

tunney

MCOS wrote: »

Also I do not think you can be so opinionated about someone with such a tattoo when you yourself have not had that experience.

And yet someone who hasn't done a triathlon can be so opinionated the other way?

MCOS wrote: »

Do you think that the person who has done the IM and chosen to get a tattoo cares that you think it is pathetic?

Of course not, why would anyone care what I think? Its their decision and their body. If they want to get one let them.

MCOS wrote: »

So, you can only call yourself an Ironman if you win the World Championship? Are you for real?! So when you complete IM Austria are you going still see yourself as just a Triathlete.... watch this space

Anyone can call themselves whatever they want. You want to call yourself "Lord of the Universe, Master of Everything" knock yoruself out.

And I don't see myself as a "Triathlete", I'm a software programmer. Given my lack of talent and fitness after Austria I'll still be a software programmer.

tdlynch

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Them's not runner's toenails!!!

donothoponpop

--amadeus-- wrote: »

Where's the blisters? Where's the rhino skin by the heel? Where's the half-ingrained Hilly sock fibers, the perma-indented tight lace grooves, the year-encrusted globs of Bodyglide between the toes?!

And a full set of functioning toenails?!?

Fraud, I tells ya, fraud!

MCOS

tunney wrote: »

And yet someone who hasn't done a triathlon can be so opinionated the other way?

I'm not shunning any proud Triathlete, of course everyone has an opinion but your opening answer to my question about getting a tattoo was to expect to be shunned. An aggressive opinion not an assertive one



Of course not, why would anyone care what I think? Its their decision and their body. If they want to get one let them.

I agree with you



Anyone can call themselves whatever they want. You want to call yourself "Lord of the Universe, Master of Everything" knock yoruself out.

And I don't see myself as a "Triathlete", I'm a software programmer. Given my lack of talent and fitness after Austria I'll still be a software programmer.
I've seen some of your results and they are very impressive, you would be a triathlete in most sporting circles I know. Fair play for doing so well in a sport you have taken up a few years ago. Chill out and be proud because you clearly worked hard for it.

Regards
MCOS
Master of the Universe:)

--amadeus--

Woddle wrote: »

It is indeed, I figure I have lots of time to train, I'm motivated and I won't be doing 3 in 9 weeks to distract me, will you do Berlin yourself or are you just focusing on Rotterdam

Realistically a sub 3 is more likely in the autumn but there is no way I could structure a plan based around a race that far away. Fair play to you if you can stick to it!

Woddle

I think you would be right if I didn't have Paris to aim for first, it kind of takes the long feel out of it and after Paris there will only be 5 and a half months left, plus Paris will give me a good indication of how realistic sub 3 is because at the moment I could be just plain ignorant but on the other side of the coin, I'm not even running 10 months and I can't believe how quickly I've progressed.

donothoponpop

Woddle wrote: »

...but on the other side of the coin, I'm not even running 10 months and I can't believe how quickly I've progressed.

:eek:Jeez Woodle, hadn't realized this, makes your times/progress all the more impressive!

pgibbo

Woddle wrote: »

but on the other side of the coin, I'm not even running 10 months and I can't believe how quickly I've progressed.

Just curious how December 2008 back to 2001 - 2002 ("I first started running in 2001 to 2002 in order to loose weight and just found that I loved it and became an addict." - taken from Running is easy in the logs section) is only 10 months?

I assume you are only back running 10 months after some time off? Did you stop running in 2002 and start back again this year? Great that you are making such impressive gains in such a short time frame.

Woddle

pgibbo wrote: »

Just curious how December 2008 back to 2001 - 2002 ("I first started running in 2001 to 2002 in order to loose weight and just found that I loved it and became an addict." - taken from Running is easy in the logs section) is only 10 months?

I assume you are only back running 10 months after some time off? Did you stop running in 2002 and start back again this year? Great that you are making such impressive gains in such a short time frame.

Exactly my last race was the cityswift 10 mile in September 2002 and although I attempted a race or 2 in a hope of getting back into it, it just never happened until Feb 20th of this year and after going from 9 1/2 stone to I think 13 stone 5 lbs. But thankfully those bad 6 years are behind me now and I have no intention of stopping now.

cfitz

pgibbo wrote: »

Just curious how December 2008 back to 2001 - 2002 ("I first started running in 2001 to 2002 in order to loose weight and just found that I loved it and became an addict." - taken from Running is easy in the logs section) is only 10 months?

I assume you are only back running 10 months after some time off? Did you stop running in 2002 and start back again this year? Great that you are making such impressive gains in such a short time frame.

Ha! Woddle is a fraud! I bet he doesn't run at all. He just makes up all this stuff and then turns up for the Boards AC races. He even went to Berlin and met up with other Boards members to make it look like he ran the marathon there. Top marks for effort!

Well Woddle what is this sick game you're playing? I want any carefully thought out posts that I directed to you back in cash please...

pgibbo

Woddle wrote: »

Exactly my last race was the cityswift 10 mile in September 2002 and although I attempted a race or 2 in a hope of getting back into it, it just never happened until Feb 20th of this year and after going from 9 1/2 stone to I think 13 stone 5 lbs. But thankfully those bad 6 years are behind me now and I have no intention of stopping now.

Long may it last Woddle. Fair play to you. Can't be easy getting back in to it after such a long layoff. Kudos to you. :cool:

Woddle

The body of a fraud April 2008 One of the most expensive frauds to grace boards I reckon



The 2002 me

Krusty_Clown

Holy cr@p. That's a wealth of liposuction, just so you can keep posting on this forum.

Fair dues Woddle, you're a poster-boy for running. A friend has had similar gains, going from nearly 20 stone to 14 stone, while completing two marathons. His before and after is incredible. Congrats!

MCOS

I reckon many of us have similar before and after and after again shots! Fair play woddle for getting stuck in again after a few years of ahem... settling! I was trying to keep at the sport of rowing when my son was born and it was very difficult. The career ladder seemed to have no gravity at the time either and my ex just didn't get it. I just let it go for about 2 years but not completely, I probably attempted a gym session once in a while. Kudos for your return after 6 years and I wish you the best in chasing that first picture and more importantly, embracing who you are. Have you thought of any ideas for the 3rd tattoo?

Woddle

Not to far from 02 weight now.
Wouldn't that be a cool thread to see, before and after pics because I would say your right, there would be a few more stories like that, I know Shels has a good one anyway. As regards the 3rd tatoo, I'm not sure yet but it will have to be something running related and congrats yourself on getting back on track, not easy being a single dad and all the time constraints that come with, power to you

Stupid_Private

Woddle wrote: »

Not to far from 02 weight now.
Wouldn't that be a cool thread to see, before and after pics because I would say your right, there would be a few more stories like that

*Searches through the 2003 photo archives for picture of Stupid_FatCheeks_Private*

shels4ever

Woddle wrote: »

Not to far from 02 weight now.
Wouldn't that be a cool thread to see, before and after pics because I would say your right, there would be a few more stories like that, I know Shels has a good one anyway. As regards the 3rd tatoo, I'm not sure yet but it will have to be something running related and congrats yourself on getting back on track, not easy being a single dad and all the time constraints that come with, power to you

Thats some change, I knew you siad you lost weight but never though it was that much... I expect to be back to my '99 weight by May '09 this will be over a 4.5 stone turn around...
Will see if i can find my '99 Marathon photo somewhere...

Racing Flat

Woddle wrote: »

As regards the 3rd tatoo, I'm not sure yet but it will have to be something running related

Easy! Get the before picture tatooed on you. Might motivate you never to miss a day again .