Tat Q - again

I would ask the tattoo artist regarding swimming and the sun exposure.

As for being "that guy", I don't think it's bad at all. Just means you are active in the triathlon scene regardless of the distance. Might even give a bit of inspiration to others.

I can't tell if this is a sarcastic post or not, but if not...

1. The majority of advice I can find online says to wait 2 weeks after getting a tattoo to get in a chlorinated pool.
Tattoos should be allowed to heal for a minimum of 2 weeks - until all flaking and peeling is finished and all scabs have fallen off. Even then, you're taking a risk getting in a highly chlorinated pool, especially if you stay for an extended period of time. A tattoo is not considered fully healed until a new layer of protective skin has grown over it - this process usually takes about 3 months. Until then, your tattoo is most vulnerable to all elements - sun, chemicals, pollution, etc. This is why getting a tattoo during the summer is not recommended, especially for swimmers and beach bunnies! If you've already got the tattoo, all I can really recommend now is stay out of the pool for at least 2 weeks and then keep your swimming to a minimum if you absolutely must go. If you can hold out for the full 3 month perdiod, you'll be doing your new tattoo a great service and I guarantee that it will have been worth the sacrifice.

2. Not sure what difference it makes if you're in a sprint or triple-Ironman event... if the tattoo is on your body it's on there for good. If you are worried about what people will think when they see it, you might want to re-consider it or it's placement.

Oooh.  I like that take on it. 

The tat guy says that he wouldn't do it but he also says that he thinks swimming, biking, and running is retarded.  Yes, he uses the "R" word.

Not sarcastic at all.  Thanks for the tip.

I also read that if you double apply waterproof sun screen that it shoudl be okay too.

I believe that advice is sage for AFTER it has completely healed.

I am reading new tattoo FAQs and they all say to treat a brand new tattoo like an open wound... and specifically say not to put sunscreen on new tattoos since it's still healing. Best bet in the sun is to keep it covered while it's healing. Just what I am reading.

you're going to rip that sucker. and if you rip it that's permanent.  While SBR-ing you move around and your skin is pulled around.

Are you more tired after an IM? Yes.  Is it longer? Yes.  However, a sprint tri isn't necessarily easier or less of an achievement than a full IM--it's all in the execution and POV. 

I don't think there's anything douchy about someone who does IMs doing a sprint.  I don't like tats, so that part complicates my answer, but let's say it was something else about you that said "I have done an IM"--no problem with doing a sprint, and I wouldn't think twice about it if I saw you on the course.

Lisa's advice is correct - NO swimming for 2 weeks after a tattoo, make sure you use Bacitracin (or a similar topical antibiotic) twice a day for at least 4-5 days and moisturize it with lotion several times a day until it's finished scabbing/flaking.  

I just had my latest one done at the end of March and had to wait a little over 2 weeks to get back into the water because it still had a couple of small areas that were scabbed over. 

In terms of the tattoo itself, who cares what you get, it's YOUR body and YOUR accomplishment.  Get what you want!   

I still haven't gotten my Dopey Challenge tattoo because I haven't had a long enough lull in training to let it heal. 

Maybe after Augusta... 

Meh.. maybe not.

I appreciate all the sincere replies. 

I cancelled the appt and will wait until after my last tri of the year.  Certainly not going to drop out of a race I've already paid for .  That woudl be nuts.  LOL on the Broncos tat.  He had to lose a bet or something big.