Friday, May 21, 2010

Topless

I told you I’m going to Vegas tomorrow. I am attending an RCCA training to become certified as a running coach. I wonder if they certify people who crap their pants while running (and admit it). I will probably raise my hand within the first ten minutes and ask this question just to get in good with the instructors and my classmates. I will also wear all of my race medals, compression socks and a camelback. I want these people to know I am a serious runner.

After two-9  hour days of training, it will be girl time. Some of my girlfriends are coming in for the fun part of the trip. We’re staying at the Wynn because I happen to love the topless pool there. If you’re really classy you call it the “European Pool.” No, I don’t go topless; don’t be ridiculous. No one wants to look at these little lumps topped with pencil erasers. But, I like to see who does take it off. Usually it’s not the people you would hope, but the ones who should probably remain covered. Think flab, bad tattoos and scars. But I give them credit for putting themselves out there, literally.

Another reason I like the Wynn pool is the blackjack tables. To me there is nothing, nothing better than sitting at a  table in my bikini (and race medals and camelback), beer in hand, playing cards (and hopefully winning big).

So if you’re in sin-city this weekend, come find me.

The thought has crossed my mind to get a small tattoo. Just because. So far I am tattoo-less. The big mental jump is that this thing is permanent and will be with me until I die at 85 (I just decided that’s when that would happen). Let’s get real. I’m already 43. That means if I hate the tat I only have 42 more years to live with it.

Do you have a tattoo? If so, ever regretted it? If not, would you consider one? What should I get, and on what part of my body?

Don’t forget my giveaway HERE.

73 comments:

  1. Well you know the answer to this for me. I love my tattoos very much. One is hidden and the other is not. I will never forget the day I got either one.

    Mine are not huge, and I choose black in because color fades. I think you are an awesome candidate for a tattoo!!! Have fun on sin city!

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  2. I don't have any tattoos; its not really my style. However, i do admire good art on people. If you want to get one; how about something related to your committment to fitness... anyway - have a GREAT time; can't wait to read all about it next week!

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  3. No tats over here but my mom and sister have one. Kelli (running SD marathon with me) is really thinking of getting one post-marathon. I'm undecided still!

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  4. oooh, i love me some tattoos (going for #8 soon!) and boob talk! love that we're both on the same page today.

    have fun in vegas, tear that city up!!

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  5. Looks like I'll just barely miss you in Vegas, we arrive next Friday night.

    I have 4 tattoos and some wishful thinking about getting more. If only I could talk my husband into letting me...

    I'd recommend something tasteful on your shoulder-blade, the inside of your hipbone or ankle. I vote for the hipbone placement - just another reason for you to show off your awesome abs. I have one on each side and they were the least painful (vs. lower back and foot).

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  6. i have one tattoo. around my ankle, 2 inches thick of polynesian design. no regrets. its my culture. i do want another one but dont know what i want.

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  7. No tats for me. Thought about it once and didn't do it!

    Have fun in Vegas! Can't wait to hear all about it. That is awesome that you will be a cerified coach!

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  8. I have a heart and music note overlapping eachother on the inside of my left wrist... I LOVE IT!!! I want more =) I just have to convince the BF that his conservative family will get over it... =)
    I decided when I am 50, if i still want it, i am going to get a pin-up (classic '50's style) girl down my back...
    If you want one GO FOR IT! =) I think if you pick something out that has meaning, you will never regret it!

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  9. I've got 5. All concealable. No regrets. Although I have a portion of my first one removed, so maybe one very small regret.
    http://take-care-of-your-shoes.blogspot.com/2010/03/somebody-listened.html

    Have fun in Vegas!

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  10. Have a great time on your trip! Enjoy your class.

    Everyone is all about the boobs today. It must be something in the blog-sphere. I have to admit I am usually the one looking at who goes topless when we are on vacations (not the Army son and Hubbs didn't look too!). It always suprises me who does.

    Tats? None on me. It is the whole living with it forever issue that keeps me from doing it.

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  11. have a GREAT time! i had actually looked into attending that same conference - dang it!

    i have 4 strategically placed tattoos :) first when i was 17, 2 in college, one on my honeymoon :)

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  12. have fun!!!!! sounds like a blast!

    i have 2 tattoos. 1 is on my toe and really shouldn't count bc its not that bog pr visible. i got them when i was 18 and 19. they're fine, i like them i guess, but if i could rewind time i would probably pass on them. don't think i'll get another one. i dont mind foot tattoos. myabe i'll get an Ironman one someday but thats probably it. i said for my 10th marathon i was gonna get a 26.2 tat but here comes marathon #17 and still no tat.

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  13. The Wynn is my favourite! Next time I go back I am definitely staying there.

    I have a tattoo and don't regret it. I think mostly this is because the tattoo is on my back so I forget it's there. It's also easy to cover up and hide which is key.

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  14. Have fun in Vegas! I live in St. George (an hour and a half north of Vegas) No tats for me...yet. I would love one, but just haven't decided what...and yes, it will be there forever. Have a great weekend. I hope you don't intimidate all your classmates with all your gear! :)

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  15. I have the "tramp stamp" tattoo. Yup, lower back. It's a butterfly with tribal design on either side. It is huge. I got it for my 21st birthday. The tattoo artist's mother (the place was called Mum's) came out after we'd blown the art up to a size worth tattooing and asked me if I had any other tattoos. I said no. She remarked,"Wow, kind of like marrying the guy without getting to know him first, eh?" And no, I don't regret it. I never see it, so I'm not tired of looking at it!

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  16. 4 tats over here. All 4 are on my back where I can easily cover them with clothing. The only one I semi-regret is the first one - I got a piece of flash that everyone could get and it is a naked fairy. Now that I'm a Christian, that one is hard to explain. I'm keeping her, but getting clothes on her. And yes, I will probably get more.

    I've never stayed at The Wynn, but I loved the Bellagio and Mirage. I didn't stay at either of those but they were really nice to walk through.

    Have lots of fun in Vegas. Cause what happens in Vegas... you'll hopefully share with us here!

    Run on.

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  17. Smart girl to plan some fun for the end of the training session...then you can just party all those facts out of your mind and try to take the test! ; )

    No tats here, but my husband and I were just talking about how our daughter will probably have one when she's a teen...I seriously wouldn't care if she did, but I think the hubs would not be happy about it!

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  18. i have two that are both very meaningful to me. one of them was designed by my sister. i say pick a spot on your body that you can easily cover..as my friend told me "pick something that you can hide with your wedding dress" hah

    have fun in vegas! i'd totally want you as my running coach although you'd probably make me laugh so hard that i wouldn't be able to run haha

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  19. No tattoos for me. My cousin has two that are small, meaningful and simple (all black). Those are the kind that make me think about it. I can't wait to hear/see what you decide.

    Have fun in Vegas!

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  20. I love tattoos, I have my full side done from arm pit to hip which is easily covered day to day and one on my wrist which is not so easily covered, I'm completely happy with both. The old cliche rings true, get something that is symbolic of something that means a whole lot to you :) Maybe a soiled running skirt to symbolize hard work and endurance, no?

    Have a great trip.

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  21. i have no tattoos - wanted one but never got one and i am happy i never got one

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  22. Have fun!!! Post lot of pics! :) I have no tats...almost got a "13.1" on my foot after my half but couldn't fully commit. What are you thinking of getting and where??

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  23. I had no idea the Wynn had a topless pool! Crazy stuff.

    I'm all for tasteful tattoos. I wouldn't get one on a whim, though. I spent years thinking about mine and they aren't even that intricate! Getting a tattoo is such an amazing experience but if you're not sure what you want don't do it just for that.

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  24. Have a great time at the class, Beth! It's so awesome and you're going to learn a lot! Then go have a blast with the girlies, I'm very jealous!!! Can't wait to see ya on the 2nd!!! WoohooO!

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  25. Have an awesome time in Vegas. I personally have never been. =( I have two tattoos, one I got on my first trip home after we moved and one that I got with my sister when she turned 18. I plan on getting another one this weekend actually in memory of my niece. Whatever you decide to do, make sure that it will be meaningful to you for the rest of your life!

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  26. Have fun in Vegas, girl!

    I have a small tribal tattoo in my left inner ankle. Would I get another one? Probably not. I don't necessarily regret having one, but I don't know that I'd do it again.

    How's that for evasive?

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  27. I have two tattoos and I'm actually not crazy about either of them. They are a part of me for life, I've excepted that now, but man I wish I had some hindsight and stuck them somewhere else.
    I have a butterfly on my lowerback (a tramp-stamp if you will.) the size of a golfball. It's a gorg butterfly, but damn if that thing doesn't make appearances at the most inappropriate times. Oh here, lemme reach over your dying husband and whoops, there's my butterfly.
    I have a chinese symbol on my shoulder blade, and it too is amazing beautiful work. It's also the size of a golfball. This one I regret. I wish I had stuck it somewhere else. I can't hide it in tank tops and I don't feel as classy when I'm all dressed up in a strapless or something.
    If you go for anything, make it black. The color fades fast in the sun, chlorine and 5 bucks says excessive pooping will cause it to fade too.

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  28. I change my mind too often to get something as permanent as a tattoo. Have fun in class!

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  29. Oh, don't be bashful, go topless. Tattoo is something I've been very tempted to get but I expect to wear it longer than you do and I am 52!
    Have fun in the sin city in your compression socks and all.

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  30. Oh, I'll be in Vegas in 10 days!!! Sad I won't be meeting you though. :(

    I have three tattoos, and I want to get one more if (when?) I ever do a marathon. I don't regret any of them, per se, but feel that maybe I could have chosen better for my first one...

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  31. I really don't like my 4 tatts. Way too young to make lifelong decisions. I did not have the foresight to think that I would be different in time. Hell even a years time.
    If I could do it over again I would!!
    I think you should get a small number like 26.2 on your wrist or something or maybe on the top of one of your feet.
    Or a cool quote like "Miles to go....

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  32. ok so meant to say "if I could do it over again DIFFERENTLY I would!! I would wait until in my 30s to get permanent art on my bod!

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  33. I have four; a sm rose (shoulder) done at 18, a sm dragon (upper chest/breast)done at 19, a sm orchid (ankle) done at 21, and Flower the skunk w/flowers (on my left arm, just above my elbow to my shoulder) done at 36. Flower used to be a featherband done at 21 (looked like sh*t) done by a friend who wanted to be a tattoist. I'm thinking of getting another for my 40th birthday but not sure what (something w/wings-and NO not a maxi pad). To me, tattoos are art and to which I am the canvas. I'm lucky in the aspect that my husband (who has no tats) doesn't care if I get tattoos...

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  34. I'm really not a tattoo girl at all but there are times when I see nice ones on a fit girl's ankle or foot and think that's cool. In other words, I'm no help.

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  35. I have one... the "tramp stamp" :( Got it for my 18th birthday quite a few years ago. I didn't go in knowing what I wanted so I ended up with a butterfly on my lower back. It's a very pretty butterfly with a little design on either side of it, but has absolutely no meaning to me. I wish I had given it more thought. If I ever could I'd like to get it changed in to something else. My husband and I have considered getting our wedding rings tattooed. I'd also like to get something between my shoulder blades but probably won't.

    Have fun in Vegas!

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  36. I have a tattoo on the top of my foot. I figure that part of my body is a) easy to cover and b) will never be completely disfigured by pregnancy or weight gain. Personally, I love it. It's rather small and you really only see it when I have sandals on, which is aprox. 2.5 weeks because I live in New England.

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  37. I have 3 tattoos... and I only like 1 of them.. My favorite is a flower on the top of my foot! But my other two are on my back and get covered all the time! I would definitely recommend knowing for certain what you want to get cause like you said.. their with you forever!!

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  38. I don't have any yet but I should be getting my first soon. I'm getting 26.2 on my foot. Probably the right foot right along the edge of my side and top. The point in point two is going to be a red maple leaf since my 1st was in Canada. It just seems fitting place for a running tat and it's easily covered

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  39. Gave a great time in Vegas! I'm laughing out loud picturing you with all of your medals and camelback! I hope the training goes well and HAVE FUN with the girls.

    Ooooh, a tattoo... I have 4. Love 3 and somewhat regret 1 (got it on a whim the week after I got my first).

    I kind of want one on the top of my foot... something running related. I'd go with that. :)

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  40. Have fun in Vegas!!!

    I thought about getting a tattoo when I was in college...something small on my toe or foot, but never did. At this point I don't think I'll ever get one. There's just nothing that really sticks out in my mind that I HAVE to have on my body forever. But, I have friends that have amazing tattoos and I always admire them for going for it!

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  41. Beer and camelback. Perfect. That way you can stay hydrated while getting dehydrated.

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  42. No tattoos, not sure if I ever will. Have fun in Vegas, I can only *imagine* the posts to come ;)

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  43. With a camelback, you don't need the beer in your hand.

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  44. I have four tats. Love three, last is on my tookass and was done on the day I signed my divorce papers - bad decision.

    My first was my name pretty script font on my ankle. It's really nicely done. I figured I'm going to have my name for my entire life so not a big deal if I put it on my body. Bonus is it looks really nice when I get dressed up with p'hose and heels.

    Best story I read about tats was a girl who put the chinese symbol for mother on one foot and daughter for the other. So when she ran, sometimes she was leading the way and others her mom was guiding her.

    Have fun in Vegas - ran the marathon last year - it was a blast!

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  45. Visions of naked tatooed chubs playing blackjack danced through her head... have fun and congrats on the cert!

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  46. Have fun in Vegas. I want to get my RRCA certification. Wish I'd thought to go to Vegas to do it.

    No tattoos here. I've considered one over the years, but never really been motivated enough to do it.

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  47. Why not have 26.2 stamped on so that way others will see you've gone the distance.

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  48. Both of our kids got tattoos together last summer, both inside their ankles and my daughter designed them! I've wanted a tattoo every other year so it never happens, sort of like the implants I wanted way back when I was 30, ha...ha!

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  49. running coach! weee maybe you can help me BQ with all your running coach knowledge! :)

    have fun in vegas... but not too much fun... keep those pencil erasers tucked in a swimsuit top... unless tequila makes your clothes fall off... then what can ya do?

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  50. I have one that is only 24 hours old. On my wrist.

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  51. When you first said topless, I envisioned some really sexy set up with lots of toned folks being grown up in their nudeness... but yea, you're right, the people who go topless in real life shouldn't be!

    I have no tattoos. I always wanted one, but I change my mind about everything so much, it's probably not a good idea. I once wanted two doves on my lower abdomen holding a ribbon with something clever written on it... needless to say, I was 15. And glad I didn't because my 10 lb child (on my previously 5'5", 125lb body) stretched everything out permanently. I would have had a tat-tooooooooo. :-) Another time, I wanted a tattoo of a heart on my ankle or lower back to symbolize a group of friends I had -- 2 of the 3 are no longer my friends, also another bullet dodged. I still like the idea, but I probably won't get one.

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  52. I have been wanting a tattoo but haven't figured out exactly what and wear. I need to get it somewhere that won't stretch out too much :) Have fun in Vegas!

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  53. I'm way to flighty to get a tattoo. BUT, if I do ever do an ironman or join the 50 states club it will be hard to pass up

    Say high to elvis @ vegas for me.

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  54. Joe crapped in Houston!
    And I am 32 and trying to draw up my first tattoo - great runners stank alike

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  55. sounds like its gonna be a fun time!!! Think really well about what you inked! I have three and love the all...but they took some time to come across. Good luck with the training. That sounds like fun!

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  56. Sounds fun!

    I have several small tattoos and am sure that I will end up with more, so I thought I'd weigh in on that discussion -

    In terms of location, think about a) how visible you want it to be (ankles, shoulder blades - easily covered for work (etc.). Neck - not so much) and b) wear and tear. Exposure to the sun will make tattoos fade more quickly, so if you get a tattoo on, say, your wrist or ankle, be prepared to apply sunscreen on a regular basis. Areas that get a lot of use - hands, feet - can also mean faster-fading tattoos, which is definitely worth considering (I would love to get a pair of tattoos on the tops of my feet, but I don't want to have to get them touched up every few years).

    As for what to get - whatever speaks to you! The snob in me says to *not* get flash (the stock images that a lot of tattoo places have out front) just because, well, I think that part of the beauty of tattoos is in their individuality. Do have a look at the artist's previous work... take their advice into consideration, but remember that it's YOUR tattoo, YOUR body, and ultimately your choice as to what your tattoo should look like.

    Whew! Sorry for the long response (I like tattoos, clearly!). I hope you're enjoying Vegas.

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  57. i heart the wynn. only been there once, but ya..it's pretty fab.

    and i say nay on the tattoo. cool if you do, but maybe start w/a henna one and go from there? don't go all BQ 26.2 tattoo on us over here!;-)

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  58. I have two tats - both gotten during my 40 not yet completed 40's decade. Both are tigers. That being said, remember, Jamoosh is spelled with two o's!

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  59. I can see you in vegas at the pool! Totally agree with you about the wrong people deciding to let it hang. When we were on our honeymoon in Tulum, years ago, we saw a couple strolling across the beach sans clothes. And it was not a sight I needed to see.

    Not a big fan of tatoos, but if you are going to get one, it should be meaningful. I can't imagine walking into a tatoo artist's store and wondering what would look good. If it's something you're going to have on your body for the rest of your life, it better mean something. Like the marathon miles idea or the "many miles to go" (personally I would not do numbers on my wrist though - something about that reminds me of the tatoos holocaust victims were branded with by the nazis at the death camps. Maybe I'm misremembering something, but I wouldn't want to offend someone with something like that)

    S

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  60. If you do get the tatoo, be sure to have plenty of "Turlington's" on hand later...
    http://gprime.net/video.php/tattooremover

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  61. I have a couple of tattoos and a couple in the planning stages. Can't agree more with the comments about make sure that it's meaningful to you. Yes, I get a lot of stares while running and flashing my yarn ball surrounded by Magic: The Gathering symbols, but dammit, it's got a special meaning to me. All my tattoos can also be hidden by a short sleeve t-shirt or shorts, so might also be something to consider.

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  62. Hey, I thought of you! I split the eights, drew a three on one of them, so I doubled down. I'd never done either of those things before. Lost my money (dealer hit 21), but it was a nice experience.

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  63. I don't have any tats but I sooo want one. Not really sure why. No freaking clue as to what I'd even consider. I do know I'm not a huge fan of the lower back ones though.

    My Hubby is Maori & for him it's very cool because it's all cultural & tribal or whatever.

    I just feel like veruka in Charlie & choc factory. I just "want one". Hey maybe I'll get a tat of an umpa loompa?!

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  64. If yours are like erasers on pencils, mine are like hickory nuts.

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  65. I love my tats...no regrets. Best tat story ever, in my opinion: a few weeks ago, I was at the ACS to give blood and a very sweet old lady always checks me in. She noticed the tat on my leg and asked me about and I told her what it was (an orca whale). She got up from behind the desk and showed me the dove on her leg and said, "This was my first one. It was a gift to myself for my 80th birthday." How awesome is that?

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  66. No tats and no regrets...especially after a trip to Vegas. EVERYONE has them and most of them are gross

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  67. I keep saying I'm going to get a tattoo of something running related, but I haven't figured out what yet.

    if you were my coach would I be required to poop myself?

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  68. I have a small wing" (like the one on the back of the shoe on the track logo) with "Hebrews 12:1" under it. "Run the race marked out for you with perseverance.

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  69. Some tattoos are good and some are really bad. DON'T GET A BAD ONE. That's my only advice. :)

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  70. I have a tattoo and I don't regret it at all. Just make sure you find a GOOD artist and make sure whatever you get tattooed on you isn't a phaze :D

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  71. I don't have a tattoo and I'm fairly certain I would never consider it.

    But if you are considering a tattoo, the "Shut Up and Run" phrase and logo seem to be the obvious choice to me.

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  72. I'm 43, a new runner & currently tattooless also. But I AM going to get one (that I design myself), see here: http://tinyurl.com/ycskp5c

    Let's do it! We can set an Over-40-Runner Tattoo Day. Skittish-about-body-art women of the world, UNITE! Ha ha ha ha...

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