Racing in Kona last October at the Ironman was truly one of the best days of my life. I got a tattoo to honor everything leading up to that day.
The traditional M-dot design commemorates the Ironman - to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles was my most challenging athletic event I have ever done. In addition, there were a thousand emotional moments from race day that I will never forget. I achieved a lifelong dream that day while being equally inspired and humbled by this event and this island. To share it with my family and friends (both near and far) was such a gift.
The infinity sign signifies the finish line of the race is the starting line for my next adventure- athletic, family, professional, etc. I continue to live each day to the fullest. Life is too short to not be living in the serenity of my purpose.
The drop of blood represents clean blood. My mom died of leukemia 2 years ago and I raced Kona in her honor. I am proud that we raised almost $70K to help fund research to eradicate this disease.
Clean blood also means that I have had no mind altering substances flowing through my veins for over 20 years. I know that without my sobriety, I have nothing. It is a fragile gift that I must nurture it, continue to grow it and share it if I wish to keep it.
I plan to respect the races that I do, and especially my fellow 'ohana' racers. I will take all of you with me as I push through the race-day challenges including waves, heat, humidity and wind to complete the distance. I promise to have a smile on my face throughout.
The tattoo has generated lots of conversations when people see it they ask me what it means and I am happy to tell them. It has happened during races, during training, while on vacations, and even going to the grocery store!
There are many people with M-dot style tattoos with variations of the design that are important to them. I love hearing their stories as well.
I am starting to really understand the enormity of this accomplishment and I never want to forget it!
#theadventurecontinues
 |
| Waikaloa Beach Hawaii |
 |
| Traverse City, MI |
The traditional M-dot design commemorates the Ironman - to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles was my most challenging athletic event I have ever done. In addition, there were a thousand emotional moments from race day that I will never forget. I achieved a lifelong dream that day while being equally inspired and humbled by this event and this island. To share it with my family and friends (both near and far) was such a gift.
The infinity sign signifies the finish line of the race is the starting line for my next adventure- athletic, family, professional, etc. I continue to live each day to the fullest. Life is too short to not be living in the serenity of my purpose.
The drop of blood represents clean blood. My mom died of leukemia 2 years ago and I raced Kona in her honor. I am proud that we raised almost $70K to help fund research to eradicate this disease.
Clean blood also means that I have had no mind altering substances flowing through my veins for over 20 years. I know that without my sobriety, I have nothing. It is a fragile gift that I must nurture it, continue to grow it and share it if I wish to keep it.
I plan to respect the races that I do, and especially my fellow 'ohana' racers. I will take all of you with me as I push through the race-day challenges including waves, heat, humidity and wind to complete the distance. I promise to have a smile on my face throughout.
The tattoo has generated lots of conversations when people see it they ask me what it means and I am happy to tell them. It has happened during races, during training, while on vacations, and even going to the grocery store!
There are many people with M-dot style tattoos with variations of the design that are important to them. I love hearing their stories as well.
I am starting to really understand the enormity of this accomplishment and I never want to forget it!
#theadventurecontinues
