Good question to raise. I have one. I got it days after my first Ironman Re: IronMan Tattoo.., a few years ago. I doubt I ever get another. One is enough, as it permanently symbolizes an accomplishment of epic proportions. And it continues to give, months, years after the initial inking. It's easy to forget the time, sacrifice, discomfort and pride of preparing yourself for an Ironman, especially after your 4th one. This is unfortunate because anyone that has completed a Ironman knows that upon completion, you can pretty much "do anything". That can tend to fade with time. The tattoo, that permanent reminder of time, sacrifice, discomfort and pride, is a card you can parlay the remainder of your life. It's a little piece of confidence inked into your skin.

I think after I complete my first one I will get the tat also, I don't have any other ink on me yet, so that will be the first. Like was said before its all about the effort.

Also, that way when I get old and feeble I can always have something to remind me of my times in the sun. IF i can remember what it means! hahahahahaha

I completed my first full Ironman at Couer D'Alene, Idaho in June 2006 and got an MDot on my right calve a couple of months later.  I did it to symbolize my accomplishment but a year later it creates a bit of pressure.  Now I feel that if I advertise my accomplishment I need to continue to have a body that represents Ironman (which for me is tough).

Mabye the tattoo will forever keep me working out so I can be a good example of what Ironman represents, or maybe its a curse!  I can never stop working out!

Mike

www.myultralife.com

I completed IM Wisconsin a few weeks ago, and I told myself and my wife I would be getting the M-Dot tattoo when I finished.  In fact I was so excited about finishing I got in line the next day to register for 2008 and I'm also doing IM Arizona 08, so I'm sort of nuts.  But the desire to get the tattoo faded for me after finishing.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe I'll still do it, but I'd rather just keep doing more IMs while I still can!  Then maybe the M-Dot.  But sometimes I feel like running down the street with a big M-Dot cape

Scott