Listen uP: Musical Highlights from a 13.1-mile Run in the Rain

During my eight-week training period for the Jersey City half marathon, I would put my iPod on shuffle and take mental notes of those songs that gave me a little extra energy; that little push that made me want to run just a little further. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I was brushing up on my French at the time so in between songs little snippets of Francais would randomly pop up –“Je suis fatiguee” (I am tired) or “Je voudrais une biere” (I would like a beer) were amongst my favorites.

So when it came time to put together my 13.1-mile iPod mix, I reflected back on my favorite training moments and incorporated a bit of French to create the perfect half marathon mix. Here are some highlights.

Mile Un (1):

“Two Step” (Dave Matthews Band)- Despite what the vegan hipsters in Williamsburg might think about DMB, the frenetic pacing of “Two Step” really creates a moment at the starting line. Look around at all the people running in the rain and smile.

Mile Deux (2):

“The Light” (David Gray)- People either love or hate David Gray but when you’re running, completely in the zone, and this song is playing, it’s like your own personal movie soundtrack.

Mile Trois (3):

“Here Comes the Sun” (Richie Havens)- I love every version of this song and even walked down the aisle to the Nina Simone version. My parents were waiting for me at mile 3 and it was the only break of sun during the entire race. Pure perfection.

Mile Quatre (4): Entering Liberty State Park

“Neighborhood #1 Tunnels” (Arcade Fire)- One of my favorites during the grueling training period.

“Lost!” (Coldplay)- I’m sorry, but there’s absolutely no feeling in the entire world like running into Liberty State Park, past the Statue of Liberty, listening to this song.

Mile Cinq (5):

“Hateful” (The Clash)- The Clash’s “London Calling” is a brilliant album and nothing fires me up quite like “Hateful.”

“Victoria (Live)” (The Kinks)- What a way to finish up the 5^th mile—Loud and live with a great pace.

Mile Six (6): a.k.a. The Theater Dork Mile. What do I think about while running? Dancing, mostly. Mile 6 was 100% choreography. Soundtrack of choice: “Jelly’s Last Jam”

Mile Sept (7):

“Rip this Joint” (Rolling Stones)- “Exile on Main Street” is perhaps the best rock album of all time. What an amazing energy boost at the halfway mark.

Mile Huit (8): a.k.a. Sisters are doing it for themselves.

“Valerie” (Amy Winehouse)- Love her or hate her, this is a killer track. And I laugh at the fact that Amy can barely get off the couch, let alone run, but this tune is a dance floor fave.

Mile Neuf (9):

“With a Heavy Heart (I Regret to Inform You)” (Does it Offend You, Yeah?)- Part hard rock, part glam, this sticks to your ribs like a hot toddy.

Mile Dix (10): a.k.a Take your last breath

“Manhattan” (Kings of Leon)- When you’re looking out across the water at the Manhattan skyline and you’re not sure if you’re going to pass out and this song is playing…it’s pretty magical.

Mile Onze (11): a.k.a. Last mile before I fell apart

“Oh Saya” (Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack)- Oh, those drums are intoxicating.

“Wolf Like Me” (TV on the Radio)- Back to choreography…I hear this and want to dance.  Strangely.

“Pencil Full of Lead” (Paolo Nutini)- A silly, 2-minute ditty that pushes you that much closer to the finish.

Mile Douze (12): a.k.a. Kill Me

“Breathe Me (Mylo remix)”  (Sia)- The first time I ever ran a 10-minute mile was to this song. I equate it with victory. And Six Feet Under. And breathing.

Mile Treize (13): a.k.a. The End is Near

“Lust for Life” (Iggy Pop)- 5 minute tune with a frantic, punk beat? The end is near.

“Canned Heat” (Jamiroquai)- I like to end everything with this song: weddings, races, it’s simply perfect when you feel like you’re going to puke your guts out but spot that finish line 4 minutes away.

Twelve hours later, I’m thankful to be sitting in my living room in oversized (dry) sweatpants drinking a glass of wine. I think there’s a good chance of me doing this again some day, hopefully in better conditions and with a few new tunes, but I’ll remember fondly the soundtrack that dragged my soaking wet, sick self over that finish line. And for now, that’s enough.

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What’s uP: Happy Anniversary!

One year ago today I married my best friend. The year has flown by but I’ve enjoyed every second of it.  Thanks to Motoko Fukuyama for her artistry on this “highlights reel” and thanks to my wonderful husband for changing my life.

Alyson & Frank’s Wedding Highlight from Love in Progress on Vimeo.

Wise uP: How to Have a Successful Color Experience

While highlighting a very good client (aka “C”) the other day, I realized that September marked the 5^th year that she had been seeing me for color. When C first sat in my chair back in 2004, she was sporting Olsen twin-sized dark sunglasses and hair tucked up into a baseball cap; never a good sign as to what’s to come. As it turned out, some so-called Senior Colorist at a reputable uptown salon had colored her strawberry blonde hair a refreshing shade of electric tangerine. We spent the entire afternoon correcting the madness and five years later, C is one of my best clients.

As we discussed our anniversary, the conversation turned to what makes a stylist-client relationship successful and what, as a client, you can do to ensure an outstanding color experience, every time. Here are a few pointers to set you on the road to hair color bliss.

CONSULTATION

DO have a thorough consultation. I don’t care if I’ve seen someone once or 100 times, I never have a half assed consultation with a client. Be clear about your ideas and if you don’t know how to express what you want, grab a magazine because sometimes visuals express what words cannot. Also, 99% of salons offer complimentary consultations. I strongly advise taking advantage of this.

DON’T bring in black and white pictures. A client once brought me a black and white picture of Gwyneth Paltrow and said, “Well, you know what her hair looks like.” Actually, I don’t. Please, for the love of God, don’t ever bring a colorist a black and white photo.

DO voice your opinion. With the exception of a few divas out there, most colorists want to work WITH you to find the perfect shade. Tell us what you like and don’t like and all the little things that only you know about your hair (it turns red/gets mousy/etc.).

DON’T ever be talked into anything you’re unsure of by a colorist. They are not wearing the hair, you are.  I will never force anything on a client and if a colorist ever tries to do this to you, RUN.

COMMON SENSE

DO tell your colorist all your color and chemical processing history. Even if it’s just a demi-permanent rinse you did two months ago, it could affect your final result. Never lie to a colorist! It will save you money, time and aggravation in the long run (and most of the time, we know that you’re not being truthful).

DON’T come in after a bad breakup expecting to do major color changes to get back at your ex. I’ve actually sent people to the wig store on 14^th street after they’ve come to me with crazy post-breakup ideas. Sorry girls, but I don’t want your manic on my conscience and believe me, it’s not going to “show him” anything by dying your lovely blonde hair auburn. Get a wig.

DO have realistic expectations. Hate to tell you ladies, but Giselle has a full team of hair and makeup people who make her look like that. Don’t bring your jet-black hair into my chair with a picture of Giselle and expect to look like that after one session. It’s never going to happen.

DON’T wear turtlenecks, white blouses or pearls in the color chair. And if you do, please take them off before you put the color robe on. I hate ruining people’s things.

ETIQUETTE

DO allow ample time for corrective color or major changes. Depending on how jacked up your hair is, a proper corrective color can take anywhere from 2-6 hours.

DON’T rush your colorist. I can’t believe the amount of people that get into my chair and tell me they have to be out in a half hour. Please, please, PLEASE allow yourself the full time to process and relax. A single process color should take one hour and 15 minutes start to finish.  A highlight should take approximately two hours. Color should never be rushed.

DON’T be rude to or apprehensive of the color assistants. They are not beauty school students; they are licensed cosmetology apprentices. Trust me, I would never allow some untrained idiot to put a glaze on your hair. If I have my assistant apply color to your head, it is ONLY after I’ve fully trained them and have let them put color on my own head. Assistants are our right arm and should be treated as such.

AFTERCARE

DO listen to your colorist about proper color aftercare. A color safe shampoo and conditioner are imperative to long lasting color. Case in point: many shampoos are designed for removing hair products and oil from the hair. If you use these shampoos on color treated hair, it will strip the pigment right out of your locks like it strips that pomade. Ask your colorist for recommendations or always make sure it says, “safe for color treated hair” on the bottle.

DON’T shampoo for 48-72 hours after a color process. It usually takes that long for color to neutralize and you don’t want to alter your color so soon after a service. If you must go to the gym, rinsing is okay but shampooing is not.

I look forward to another five years with my client, C, and I wish you all long and lovely relationships with your favorite colorist!