When the day arrives that I qualify for and complete my first Kona Ironman race, I think I will get myself an M-Dot tattoo. The question is would I be foolish to do so? By getting this tattoo, am I simply being sucked into the hype of being an Ironman Triathlete or is this a heart felt way of expressing what you love to do?
I have just returned from IMLP with my family. My wife found the atmosphere surrounding the race environment and the Ironman experience as completely bizarre and cult-like. I on the other hand love the experience and feel as though I am among a community of like-minded folks.
I do agree that some people take the whole thing a bit too seriously and do not take the time to enjoy themselves. Having a wife that is a turned off by the environment, did manage to put a damper on my week, but not so much so, that I didn’t appreciate being there and sign up for next year.
So, back to the original question… M-Dot permanently etched into your skin – Cool or Fool?
Fool! An ironman is just a long triathlon. We now know that most fit people can finish 'em. Breaking 2 hours for an Oly or 10 hours for an ironman are great achievements but nothing like finding a cure for cancer. Now that would be worth celebrating…
SteveMc
Only you can make that decision. If you ask here you will get 3 sides to the story. Ultimately, you have to live with the ink for life, are you happy with that, are you happy with what it stands for. Some people are, some aren’t, only you can decide which one you are.
If and when I do an IM (I prefer halfs) I wouldn’t feel a need to advertise it. But to each his own. It seems we live in a society that pushes “telling the world” about all our accomplishments. Why is it that only Ironman athletes can tattoo themselves with the mdot. I do halfs (not that i won’t/can’t do an IM) but I wouldn’t tattoo half an mdot or someother tri related thing on my body. Am I not as much of an athlete for not doing an IM? Why can’t the national short course champion tattoo that logo (if there was one) on his body. What about the olympic athletes who kick ass on a regular basis–the olympic rings?
That said, those with the mdot are part of a brotherhood, and I respect that. They have a bond, just like I do with every athlete who goes to the line–whether he finishes first or last. I just don’t have to advertise it, like I don’t feel a need to wear alot of clothing with writing/sponsors all over it. Why do i need to advertise for WTC? On the other hand, be proud of your accomplishments; I readily discuss triathlon with anyone who will listen!!!
Fool - but hey it’s your body do whatever you want. For the record I don’t get the point of tattoos or body piercing. Self-expression I guess? I suppose I just don’t feel the need to express myself to the world. But maybe my lack of tattoos or body pierces is an expression in and of itself … hmm.
Anyway, I’m reminded of the fake commercial on Saturday Night Live for a tatoo removal product targeted at ex-hotties who had tatoos on the base of their back but then got married and put on 30 lbs. They showed a stop-motion graphic of the tatoo stretching over time. It was priceless. But again that said, it’s your body so do whatever you want. Just do it for YOU, not what others think about it.
If you need a permanent souvenier you can always get the photo, DVD, finisher’s medal, etc.
Agreed. There are certain threads I never tire of, and this is one. I could read a new thread on this topic every week. And you are right, the responses follow a similar flow. I love it.
People get all sorts of shit tatooed on their bodies. Why not an M-Dot? It’s cool if you think it’s cool. What’s not particularly cool is asking strangers on an internet forum whether or not it’s cool.
If that is what you want on your body for the rest of it’s life…go for it. Why worry about what others say. Now if you get one as big and as ugly as the dude at my gym then your a fool. that thing wraps around his bicep and looks like someone smeared him with zinc oxide.
“That said, those with the mdot are part of a brotherhood, and I respect that. They have a bond, just like I do with every athlete who goes to the line–whether he finishes first or last.”
No they aren’t, no they don’t, and no you don’t.
Tattoos are for people who realize that without one they would pass unnoticed, something they hate the thought of.
Oh its way cool…I just bought a new washer-dryer and am looking for a guy who can do the Maytag label on my calf…maybe even include the repair man guy!
Hey if you want to do it go ahead…none of our damn biz. I acutally tried to buy some finisher crap at CDA last month but it was completely sold out by 11:00. All I could find to remember it by was a freaking hat.
