I don’t really feel like an Ironman.
I finished Ironman France but it feels like a dream. In fact, there are days when I can’t believe I finished that race. Isn’t that ridiculous?
It was just over one month ago. But most of the time it feels like a dream. I tell the story. I know that I did it but honestly it feels like a dream.
And that’s why … dum, dum, dum.
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ouch! |
Yes … I went ahead and got the tattoo
For whatever reason the Ironman tattoo can be a heated subject among some triathletes. I say, don’t hang out with those triathletes. If I want a tattoo of whatever on my body that’s my business. If you want a tattoo of whatever on your body you go ahead … I have no opinion. Unless you happen to be my kid and then I might have an opinion because they are permanent so some thought should go into this process. A boyfriend or girlfriends initials or name … sorry probably not ever a good idea.
I did try to think of something that wasn’t the m from the ironman logo. We in the triathlon circle call that the m-dot. But at the end of the day that’s the race I did. And even if it is a corporate logo – this symbol is symbolic of this distance to me and that’s really all that matters.
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the m-dot |
I also cleared this tattoo with my husband. He was totally supportive and after listening to me waffle about the design for a month he declared the final design very anticlimactic.
It’s my only tattoo … so far
Don’t get me wrong I love tattoos but I’ve never been able to commit to the idea of one image or symbol on my body. Plus I’ve met a lot of old guys who sort of regret getting tattoos when they were younger. I do think it’s a good idea to listen to your elders 😉
But here’s how I feel about this. When I’m old and shriveled up and the tattoo is all wrinkly with my old lady skin I will be more than happy to explain to you that when I was 39 years old I moved myself under my own power for 140.6 miles non-stop. What’s more if I happen to be unlucky enough to be completely demented in my old age hopefully some nurse will recognize the logo and know that at one time I was just slightly badass. Not because I have a tattoo but because of what I did before I got it. I hope that this will give me the street cred in the nursing home for an extra glass of chardonnay with my stewed green beans.
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tee hee it’s so small and simple. I swear the whole thing took maybe 3 minutes. |
Last tidbit about the design
It’s small and colorless. I could be all artsy and say that Ironman is a part of me so I didn’t color it in because I want me to show through. I know … barf, that’s stupid. Or I could say the truth which is that I tend to like simple graphic tattoo designs that are black on skin (which is true). Also, I was a little afraid of the pain (also true but I did go through natural child births so I’m pretty sure I could tough it out). Also I can admit that I couldn’t decide what would go inside because I don’t really want to have to explain it. So I thought about putting the french flag colors (I still might do this but I feel like I would want to match my shoes and socks with the colors … is that dumb?), I considered working it into an Eiffel Tower (rejected because the race was in Nice not Paris where the tower is), I thought about putting the date or the mileage in miles or even kilometers and I just couldn’t make up my mind. So in the end with my swimming pool being closed for 2 weeks and the bay being off limits due to a creepy algae bloom I just went and did it and kept it simple.Â
So far I love it.
Remember how I said I feel like the race itself was a dream? Well this is my daily reminder. So far I love it. I put it on the inside of my leg instead of the outside because it’s easier for me to see. So I see it all the time and it reminds me of what I did, what I can do, and to get myself back out there and get to work.Â
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See if it was red white and blue inside could I still wear pink socks? I’m not sure. |
So for now that’s it … So do you have an Ironman tattoo or will you get one after you complete the race?