Yesterday I had a chance to do something small to celebrate recent marathon (and half marathon!) success and my general love of running/being active! It’s something I have been considering for a year…
I got my first tattoo!
I saw this the text “keep running” on a tattoo online over a year ago, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. I took that as a sign that I was committed to it and it was time to get inked!
A few friends gave me recommendations for local tattoo parlors and I chose to go to Good Family Tattoo in Antioch (Illinois). I am super pleased with the experience and LOVE how the tattoo turned out!
I asked my artist, Elisa, if she had any tips for a first-timer and she said “just remember to breathe.” Basic, but it was a good tip! And it made me laugh, since I say that a lot in the strength classes I teach.
Of course, the tattoo is tiny, so it only took 10-15 minutes*! It didn’t hurt much at all – just felt like a bit of pinching. I was surprised by how quickly it was over (twss)!
I can see how people get addicted to getting these. They’re fun and easy. I already have another style in mind that I like…
I will probably think that one over for a year or two, as well though! Ha ha.
*When I called to ask about getting this, they recommended just coming in as a walk-in (right when they open at noon) since my tattoo was so small and simple, and I had a font in mind (BONUS POINTS to anyone who remembers where that font is from!). So the whole experience was around fifty minutes long – getting there, signing paperwork, showing the design, then having Elisa recreate it using the font online and getting the stencil ready, putting it on, going over care instructions, paying, etc. Elisa actually told me that most people get tattoos on top of their shoulder blade or on top of their shoulder, so we looked at those spots too, but Steven and I both really liked it in this area. I’m happy Steven came with me and helped me pick out just the right spot!
Yay!!! I love it!
And I laughed at TWSS.
But the tattoo is great and I love the spot! It will show perfectly in your running tanks too!
Thank you! Hee hee. I just can’t help with the twss 😀
Yayyyyyyyyy!!! I’m so happy you got your tattoo. It looks really great. I’m glad you had a good experience too.
The font looks familiar but I can’t pin it down. Hmmmmmm…
So, Data’s face next? 🙂
Thank you!
Does this ring a bell? http://www.ilaxstudio.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/140614weddingdetailscustomizedhangers2.jpg
I will eventually get something for Data! 🙂
I am so happy you finally got to do it! It is beautiful!
Me too! Thank you! Can’t wait to show you!
Love this so much!! Beautiful!
Thanks!
OOOOOOOO I love it!!!!
Thank you! 🙂
YAY! That’s so awesome!! Love the font and the placement and I’m happy you had a good experience, too.
So, when are you going to share what you’re thinking of next? 🙂
Thanks!
I am not sure on what I would get, I just know that I am very in to these watercolor style tattoos 🙂 http://instagram.com/p/rUyK-_stRT/
Ooooh, that’s pretty! You could even add that to your current one in the future if you wanted.
Yes! I was thinking the same thing! 😀
Beautiful! What’s the next one going to look like???
Thank you! I am not sure exactly what the next one will be, but I am thinking color, in water color style: http://instagram.com/p/rUyK-_stRT/http://instagram.com/p/rUyK-_stRT/
Lovely!!! Such a great spot because whenever you run in a tank and somebody is behind you it will be inspiring. 🙂
Tattoos are addicting. I have four, started with a small one that took 15 minutes on my upper back. I’ve been wanting to get a running themed one but I can’t decide on what I want.
Thank you! Yes, Elisa was asking if I put it there to encourage others. I told her that was a nice bonus, but that I just really like my shoulders.
I want to hear about yours/see pics!
Hope you had a fun race! 🙂
It lovely!! I’m kind of jealous. I really like the script you picked out! Can you find me a tattoo next, I can’t decide on one 😉
Thank you! It’s called Bombshell Pro. Ha ha ha. What do you have in mind? 🙂
I love it!!! Super cute and super classy. I really like the placement too!
Thanks! 🙂
I love it! Great tattoo with meaning that looks wonderful and applies to so, so many things. Congratulations!
Thank you! 🙂
I love it! Very classy & pretty. Also I love that it will probably show with most running shirts you wear!
Thank you! Yes! I am excited to show it off with my tanks! It was warm enough for a tank on this morning’s run… yikes!
Awesome, looks great!
I’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo for a while now. I have a basic concept, but the specifics of it (content/design and placement) have changed over time, so I’m a little hesitant to go ahead and do it.
Yeah, definitely wait until you have it all figured out! Well, at least, I would 🙂
SHUT UP!!! I love it!!!! I’ve got one on my lower back that I want to have spruced up and made bigger, and I’ve got a couple of ideas for new ones too!
Thanks! What is the one on your back? When are you going to expand?! 🙂
LOVE! My Mark has been getting a lot of ink done this summer after we started watching “Ink Masters.” I’ve long wanted a tattoo that actually meant something as opposed to the dumb one on my back that I got at 18. I have an idea in mind but have to wait a few months. Ya know.
Are pregnant ladies not supposed to get tattoos or do you want to incorporate something for the kids? 🙂
They don’t let preggos do anything! I assumed it’s not good but did some searching, and it’s not recommended. My tattoo will be somewhat running related, too 🙂 I figure my C-section scar is permanent mark enough to remember Miles!
Ha ha, that sure is true! I can’t wait to see if when you get it.
LOL about the c-section scar! 😛
What a cute tattoo! I don’t think I’ll ever get a tattoo–I’ve fainted over a flu shot, so I don’t think a tattoo is in the cards for me haha–but I love yours! One of my running friends has a tattoo in that same spot, and I think that’s such a smart location: easy to cover up, but also easy to show off. Perfect!
Thanks! 🙂 Ha ha ha, it really didn’t hurt that much! And it helped that I didn’t have to see it happening 🙂 I don’t like seeing myself get a shot 😉
Love the “keep running” mantra!
Thanks!
TWSS – heh heh
Your tattoo is perfect in every way. It fits you to a T. Can’t wait to see it in person!
You did such a good job you may have to help me find my next one 😉
Thanks!!! 🙂
Do you have any ideas for your next? 🙂
Woo Hoo! Congrats on getting your first tattoo! I LOVE it. I am not really a tattoo person, but I may be persuaded with a running one…
Thank you! 🙂 Do you know what you would want in a running one? 🙂
Beautiful–I love it! Congrats on your new and well-deserved tattoo! You chose a good one. 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Congratulations on your first tattoo!! I love it!
Thanks!
Cool! I think the spot is perfect and love the font!
Thanks!
I love it!! I’ve been thinking about my next tattoo since I got the last one 🙂
Thanks! What is your first one? 🙂
Woooo congrats on the new tattoo!! I’m a big fan 🙂 I’ve been planning on getting a tattoo these past 2 years and will hopefully soon just go for it!
Thank you! Cool! What do you have in mind?! 🙂
I want a tiny infinity sign 🙂
Wow! You are brave! I’m not a big fan of tattoos but yours is very stylish.
Aww, thanks 🙂
Congratulations on your first tattoo! I LOVE it and I love what it says- it fits you perfectly!! I love the font (and font name too)!! Very very awesome!!
=^..^=
Thank you! Hopefully I get to show you in person some time 🙂 Data wants me to get a cat related one, now. (actually, he is going around the house saying horrible things about me, now that I have a tattoo, that I can’t repeat. typical Data)
that is awesome! I want to get one over the top of my foot, but the policy at work is no tattoos showing, so that would cut out a lot of shoe options in the summer
Thanks!
Bummer you have that restriction!
I love it! It looks great and is so YOU! I’ve really wanted a tattoo for awhile but I don’t know WHAT I want. So I’m waiting until I have something I know I’ll really love and will be meaningful. But this only added to my tattoo desires!
Aww, thank you 🙂 And yes, wait until you know what is just right 🙂 I have always though I would want one, since I was about 18, but it was never this clear until the last year!
Look at you!! Cool! Getting all tatted up and stuff!! One and done? 😉
I have another style in mind that I like, but I will probably wait some time, like I did with this one 🙂
Love! Love! Love!!!
Thanks! 😀
That is so cute and such a great idea! LOVE it! 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
I love the new tattoo! It’s definitely fitting for your passion for running!
Thank you!
Very cool.
Yay I love it! I think the placement is great because you will always be able to show it off in racerback running tanks! I am fascinated by the watercolor tattoos. I have been thinking about getting a tattoo in honor of the Ironman but I haven’t decided exactly what I want yet.
Thank you!
Oh cool! I can’t wait to see what you choose! The classic red M or something else?!
LOVE the tattoo! I don’t think tattoos are for me, mainly because I can’t think of something I want on me for the rest of my life. However, it would most likely be running related if I ever become brave enough.
Those watercolor tattoos you posted in some replies look awesome, though!
Thank you! And yeah… if you can’t think of something that is forever, don’t get it! 🙂 Although, you’ve definitely earned a running one a thousand times over!
Yes! Those are so neat! I should google some more of them and make a little folder for inspiration 🙂
Yay, tattoo club! I was so excited when you told me you got it (though sorry that I’m only now getting around to reading this post). It looks really great and is perfect for you.
I think it’s funny that you assume the tattoo is going to take hours (I guess because you hear about people getting multi-day tattoos on their arms and back.), and then you’re in and out in under an hour. When I got mine (both times…), I was surprised at how fast the process was, and I felt like I didn’t even have time to get worried/worked up about it!
Thank you! 😀
Yes! I think we hear about the really intense ones that take forever! I had no idea what to expect. Now that I’ve done it, it’s not intimidating at all 🙂
I love the tattoo. It fits you very well. Now to plan for the next one. I’ve had mine for almost 15 years and love it. Always wanted to add to it, but never did. I might again here someday.
Thanks! I have a few ideas!
What do you want to add to yours?