Tattoos during training?

kristinegift

Hi all! I am thinking about getting my first tattoo (running related, of course) and I was wondering if anyone has experience getting a tattoo during race training. Did you have to take much time off? I want to get it on my upper arm, and it won't rub against my running clothes or anything, but I am concerned about sweat interfering with the healing process, since I'm running 45-90 minutes at a time typically during the week, and then doing 2-3 hour long runs on Sundays. Any experiences/advice you can share would be great!

sjohnny

Time off? None. Sweat isn't going to interfere with any healing. It'll likely sting a little. But it won't be even as much pain as it was to get the tattoo. Just make sure you wash it really good when you get back from your run and follow whatever after care directions your artist gives you. Every artist I've had has given slightly different after care directions so I just do what they say for the tattoo they did.

They're as addictive as running!

I'm going next Tuesday to get some work done on my sleeve that I started three years ago and haven't had time to do anything with since. I'm also training for a marathon and I'm not worried about it affecting my training.

kristinegift

@sjohnny Good to know! I asked a tattooist at the place I'm going and she said the same thing. Phew!

JustWant2Run

I got a half sleeve done last summer. I ran the same day as I got about 5 hours of work done on it.... Kept it wrapped in plastic since it was still oozing ink and blood (lol!). I made sure that I wasn't running when it was sunny until it was healed. Cloudy days, nights or evening were ok. Why? Because the sun causes a burning sensation (like a sunburn but 50x worst) because it reacts with the ink... And it will cause fading and other quality issues.

Sweat didn't interfere with healing.

kristinegift

@JustWant2Run Good to know about the sun! I'll have to find my lightweight long sleeve tops for morning runs.

Kupe

I ride, however the same applies. I am in the process of completing my 3/4 sleeve. So for the last 6 weeks every 2 weekend has had limited to no rides. However I am still in the middle of winter and therefore still wearing long sleeve tops and jackets. I would still give it a couple of days just to settle before doing any training. Plus if you are having it done in the inner arm, expect swelling and you are not going to want your arm to be rubbing against your shirt.

kristinegift

@Kupe Where I'm getting it there shouldn't be any friction, but if there is, I'll definitely let it be for a couple days! Thanks for the advice!

michellemybelll

No time off needed. Just clean post run, and follow after care instructions for lotion application and the like.

kristinegift

I got it and it looks lovely! I keep getting distracted looking at it (also posted pics on the August running challenge thread on the fitness forums!) I'll plan to run like normal tomorrow morning, but if it feels bad, I'll cut it short. Thanks for all the advice, all!

dewd2

Nice. I am planning to get one on my chest but I will waiting until I take time off over Christmas to get it done. I am concerned that the chest area would be a bit sensitive if I did it while actively training.