Kara Wood 00:00
If you had shown me a profile myself 13 years ago, I would look like now I'd laugh in your face. But what you know what it tends to do, and I'm sure you see this and you probably preach it to you is once you really get committed to one area of your life doing well and being fit, then it starts spilling over, right? So you start eating healthier, because you don't want to feel terrible when you're running. Why would you want to do that? And the timing that it takes to get the run in and all that, you know, you're having to plan your life a little bit more not It's not crazy. It doesn't overtake you, but you do have to think okay, like, for instance, if my husband is is out doing something that he needs to do for his job tonight, how am I going to get the run in and so it kind of forces you to live a little bit more, just with a little bit more purpose.
Bridget Moroney 01:04
Welcome to the performance RX podcast, the ultimate destination for anyone who wants to perform better in the gym and live a better life outside it. Whether you're just starting your journey, or you're a seasoned pro. This show covers a wide range of topics to help you reach your potential and live your best life. Each week on this podcast. I'll be bringing you expert interviews, personal stories and actionable advice to inspire, educate and empower you to reach your goals. So hit follow, grab your headphones and get ready to take your health and performance to the next level. Hey, everyone, welcome to today's episode of the performance RX podcast. I'm your host, Bridget Moroney. And today I have the privilege of chatting with someone who in her own words, is just an ordinary person far from a fitness expert. But what sets her apart is absolutely extraordinary. Kara Wood is a woman who has maintained a running streak for remarkable 13 years and counting. Her streak survives the whirlwind of life from a challenging career as an attorney to two pregnancies and childbirth. Being a loving wife and mother and all the curveballs that life has thrown her way care's journey is not about unattainable fitness feats, but about embracing consistency and finding motivation in the every day. Her book, The Power of the streak isn't your typical fitness guide. It's a blend of humor, relatability and inspiration, while her step by step guide can help anyone start and maintain a workout streak no matter the exercise. Join us today for an engaging conversation with Kara Her story is a testament to the incredible power of consistency, and her book will leave even the biggest skeptics inspired and ready to commit to regular exercise I hope you enjoy. Welcome to today's episode of the performance RX podcast. I'm your host, Bridget Moroney. And today I have with me, Kara wood. Kara, how are you doing today?
Kara Wood 02:57
I'm good. Thank you. Thanks so much for having me on.
Bridget Moroney 02:59
Yes, absolutely. Thank you so much for being here today and sharing the knowledge and inspiration from your book, The Power of the streak and your own lived experience of the power of the streak.
Kara Wood 03:13
I'm excited to share and hopefully maybe somebody gets something out of this, but they otherwise might not have thought about before.
Bridget Moroney 03:21
Absolutely. Well, I will I will just say this like, I guess testimonial here as someone who has read your book. And first of all, you know, thoroughly enjoyed it. So so thank you for for sharing that with the world. And I've played we'll talk about this. As we go on, you know, I've played around with different types of streaks and other types of, I guess, ways to commit to exercise and fitness. And I will just say this, I definitely got quite a few little nuggets out of there, like you said, like things that I just never really thought about or just kind of like a new perspective on how to view these things. But I'm getting ahead of myself. So first things first, let's talk about so for people who may be unfamiliar, and they're like, What is this streak here? What day of the streak are we on? And what is the streak and we'll start we'll start with the the Yeah, the numbers.
Kara Wood 04:13
Okay, so, um, well, it's kind of a unique streak in that it's a weekly streak. I don't do every single day because I knew going into it that that just would be way too much for somebody like me. So I do five days a week and I run at least a mile. And I have so I don't have a daily count on it. But I'm into my 13th year now. And I have not missed a single week. So it's been since 2010. I feel like
Bridget Moroney 04:47
Sorry, I like went blank there because I'm like like every other millennial. I'm like 2010 was two years ago, but now it's there.
Kara Wood 04:56
I know I had to I had to think back real quick. That was it.
Bridget Moroney 05:00
It's rough. Just no, that's awesome. And thank you for that clarification, yes, weekly streak, I'm still caught up in the world of all these guys and gals who do daily lunch streaks. And so like, every year, or not, every year, every day, I hop on my Instagram, and I just see all these people that are like, de 1400, whatever, but, but, um, weekly streaks, so for anyone listening, yeah, and you know, this, you know, I don't have to tell you this care, but, like, weekly streaks are like, they're, they're legit, like I you know, and I think that's, you know, just kind of personally speaking again, like, because I have that high competitive Ed, you know, urge there, and that perfectionist side that's like, if it's not daily, it's, it's not worth it. And, alternatively, are on the opposite of the other side of the coin of that, I'll say that that's, that can be very damaging, you know, and we can talk about that in a little bit. So but weekly streaks, I think, are are great thing to, to have there. And I mean, you're still running five days, like it's, you know,
Kara Wood 06:11
right. And I, you know, at the time when I did it, it was really just because I wanted to be lazy a couple of days a week. But now that I'm really more into running, I've realized, I think it's important to take those rest days, you know, just to let your body recalibrate and do all the things it needs to do. But I know that there's some in the stricken community, for sure, that would take issue with my having a stroke. But you know, what I think, and this is one of the main points I make in my book is, it's got to be unique to you, and something that will work for you. And so if you think that you can do every single day of your life and be comfortable with that, for a prolonged period, great. But if you think you're someone who needs a couple of days a week to take off, then go into it, knowing that so that you don't take off a couple of days break your streak and lose your motivation right away.
Bridget Moroney 07:07
Yeah, it's definitely a tricky bout, you know, and a tricky balance. And I think it's just like anything that has to do with our health and fitness is it's it is very individualized, it's like what do you need, physically, as far as you know, actual recovery and what your body can sustain, because again, like, these are indefinite streaks, so, you know, we age, we don't get younger, so that that, that wear and tear adds up over time, but also, mentally again, and you know, you mentioned like, in an ad kind of mentioned to like, you know, the perfection aside, and the the streaking community, which is kind of like, I feel like if someone heard that context, they'd be like, what is what is this? Like, what is the streaking community. But, um, but you know, you know, again, like I've, I've had, I've heard all these anecdotes here, and this is where I have, like, I have a critical eye on things like 75 heart and things like that, because it's not just like physically damaging, but I think psychologically, emotionally, like, there was one anecdote I heard where someone had a meditation streak, and they were trying to meditate every day, you know, continuously and I forget what number that person got to, let's say, 700 something, which is, you know, way over, you know, within that two year mark there, and basically, they missed whatever they 752 and they stopped, and they never, they never meditated again. And the person who had brought this up was just like that, what purpose does that serve them, like, you know, because meditation, running, you know, lunging all of these things are good for us. But they're only good if you if you're consistent, and you continue on with it. Like, instead of chasing that perfectionism, and so, anyway, going back to the weekly streak, this person that brought up the anecdote of the meditation streak ending, they were like, This is where weekly streaks, you know, can be more beneficial because you're allowed that whatever that rest or that opportunity to take a break. Yeah, I think
Kara Wood 09:11
it does, it gives you it gives you a break on a day that you're just not feeling it. You know, it's interesting, you say that about the person with with the meditation because I think it all goes back to why you start the streak in the first place and what it's motivating you to do. So for me personally, I could not figure out a way to get off the couch and stay off the couch for exercising. I just wasn't interested and could not figure out a way that would keep me moving. And so the street concept, it was something that I borrowed from from my boss, and he he doesn't everyday stroke, he's 30 minutes of, of cardio every single day. And he's he's into his almost 20th year now. And so I kind of took a piece from him and then a piece from my sister who's a runner and kind of put them together and said, Okay, I can run a mile, five days a week, it's really not that difficult to do. I just need to commit to doing it. And so once I set these, the, it was a pretty low bar in terms of the parameters. But what it did for me mentally was huge, because I did not want to break it once I got it started. And so, you know, I don't know what the deal is with the person who stopped the meditation streak. But I do talk a lot in the book about setbacks, and how to address those, you know, because I don't think it's realistic to think that a streak will never be broken, right? I mean, I'm lucky enough not to have broken mine yet. But I recognize that tomorrow, I could get hit by a bus be laid up for a long time. And so, you know, I think that there's something to that idea of once the streak is broken, maybe you never do it again. But I think it goes back to why it was broken, and what you can do going forward to address what got in your way. Because if it's something that you really want to continue doing, if the person still wants to meditate, there's nothing standing in their way. It's just a matter of how you overcome the setback. And maybe for them, it would be a weekly streak going forward, and not every single day. But but I don't like the idea that that sometimes goes out there with with streaks in that once it's broken, and it's done for good. And it's just it's sort of like a some, like simple vehicle that you use to do something. And then once it's over, it's over. I don't like that concept. I think that for me personally, it was very motivating. And it continues to be motivating. And now it's gone on for so long that running is such a huge part of who I am. And what I do that if the streak got broken tomorrow, I would get up, get get back up and start running again as soon as I'm able. So I think it's all about how you look at it and the mindset that you have,
Bridget Moroney 12:21
man, I love all of that. I'm not gosh, yeah. First of all, like you were talking about, like, I think about this, as I've revisited my own relationship with possibly starting my own streak, which I won't get into that tangent there. But I'm like, no, no, seriously, like, you're, you know, well, is it and again, it's just like that whole mindset, but what I was thinking like, like you said, like it is it is very ignorant to think that like, you know, because life happens. And yeah, and I guess the point I wanted to make is like if if God forbid any one of us, like gets hit by a bus, we'll have bigger things to worry about then than, than us streak. Right. So So I guess kind of going back to what to what you were saying, um, and I think, again, like such a great point. And what you were saying there is like, why are you starting this in the first place? Right, like, in your case, you were you were inspired and motivated to to take charge of your health really, and this was this was your solution is like if I can do you know, this activity, you know, for this many days a week, they're like this will, you know, have a positive impact on and it will talk about in a minute, but you have like a daily minimum, like I guess for those who are listening like you don't just run a mile every day.
Kara Wood 13:44
Right? Right. Yeah, that's minimum. And because it's something I know is sustainable over time, and that I can do no matter what I can find 10 minutes in a day. But if I were to say, Okay, I want to run five miles a few times a week, well, that starts getting a little more tricky in terms of sustaining it over time. And back to what you were saying about about your own sort of idea of a streak and the perfectionism that goes with it. It's interesting, because, you know, in a lot of areas, I'm kind of a perfectionist, but health and fitness was never one of them. And so I do think that there's danger for somebody who's really, really already into a workout routine and a fitness routine to start an overly aggressive streak, right because it can start feeding that perfectionist mindset, it can start feeding that perfectionist mindset and that I've got to do more and that sort of thing. But if you're using it as a motivator when you're otherwise not motivated, I think that's when it can be the most powerful tool.
Bridget Moroney 14:55
Yeah, great, great point there, you know, and again, like, especially like you I've seen this in, I think a lot of people are probably aware of this, but you know, especially on the coaching side, and being in the world of health and fitness there, there's definitely there can be very problematic people, people have a tendency to have like problematic relationships with with a lot of things with exercise, food diet and things like that. So like, just, you know, to your point, like, just like, with anything, it can be taken too far there. So, um, but but I love how you have like, and I think that's, you know, that's kind of the key is just have this open and like, kind of just curiosity to, if you will, there, like, at least that's kind of like how I see it there. It's like, let's see what happens. And just, I guess, you know, for, like, for lack of a better description, or actually, you know, like, kind of like a growth mindset about it.
Kara Wood 15:52
Yeah. And I think that, you know, that's another thing that I kind of speak to, is to be thoughtful about it on the front end, and really think through what you want to do over time, over long periods of time, and what's sustainable, because I think if you're thoughtful about it on the front end, and you're not too aggressive in setting it, then you have way more potential of keeping it going. Staying motivated. And ensuring that even in those times, where you don't feel particularly particularly motivated, you're still getting a little bit of workout in. And that's why I like it. I mean, there's so many days, so many days where I do not feel like getting up and going for a run, I just don't feel like it. And if it weren't for the streak, I wouldn't be doing it. But you know, I tell myself, just get out there, it's 10 minutes, and the streak stays alive. And so that's what I do. And then you know, I'm sure I don't have to tell you this. After you work out, you feel so much better, even if it is just 10 minutes. And so, you know, I'm sure we'll probably get into more of this, but just from a mental health perspective, that routine and that consistency. It's huge for me.
Bridget Moroney 17:07
I mean, it's it you know, it comes down to just showing up for yourself. I love that. Yeah, I was gonna say like, let's let's get into it. Um, like, I guess Yeah, how has that had an impact? Because, you know, again, like, so we kind of mentioned it a little bit. And in your book, like this was the whole catalyst for the street there. So you are basically someone who had no interest in exercise at all, like, I guess I'm assuming like, not even in high school, like, no sports, nothing. Just,
Kara Wood 17:34
I'm, I hate admitting this, but somehow I get forced to. I did cheerleading in high school.
Bridget Moroney 17:43
Cheerleading is a sport.
Kara Wood 17:46
It was at least competitive cheerleading, but Oh, wow. Okay, I've never been yeah, I've never been somebody who, first of all, I've never been a runner ever before, before starting this. And I was always the person who hated that day in gym class where you had to run the mile, you know? So that, that I don't, I chose running just because I saw the results my sister was getting by regularly running. And I thought it would be really easy. You know, unlike a lot of the stuff you do in the gym, you just kind of put the shoes on and you go outside and you run. So I liked that aspect of it. But But yeah, no, no real. And you know, I had been in the college and law school years, I went to law school. And I went, by the time that I started the streak I had been a practicing or not practice. I'd been a lawyer for a couple of years. And you know, that was all taken its toll, the stress of the law school years and the new job, I was starting to see that my metabolism definitely wasn't what it what once was, and something needed to give. And so that's kind of what what got me started in the first place. We were kind of talking a little bit about the mental health benefits. At the time. I didn't realize the mental health benefits would be so huge, you know, and if you're not a runner, people, sometimes people talk about the runner's high, right. Which, unfortunately for me, I don't think I've ever gotten. I wish I could get it. But you know, some people describe almost this euphoric state that they that they happen to find themselves in when they're on especially long runs, right. And although I don't get that I noticed my brain sort of follows this familiar pattern when I'm running. And usually if it's just a mile, I kind of zone out, look at look at whatever I'm running past maybe it's a pretty house or yard or whatever. And that's it, but I get home And I'm ready to take on the evening with my two young kids and ready to talk about their day. And it reinvigorates me to a degree. But then as I go into more mileage, I sort of changed into this, I, it's like this, my brain does this problem solving mode, where if there's something in particular, that's bothering me, like, something that happened at work that day, or some legal issue I'm trying to tackle, I start thinking of ways that I can, I can solve it, which is, you know, that's, that's huge, because you're you're tackling, running and at the same time thinking about how to address you know, your, the issues that you have coming at you each day. And then, and then what happens is, if I continue on with the mileage, my brain switches from the problem solving mode to sort of survival mode, and I start rationalizing with myself and telling myself what I need to do to get through the rest of it. And I actually start, you know, almost being like a self motivator and being nice to myself, which is, you know, sometimes I'm overly critical of, especially if myself and so, just from a being nice to yourself perspective, it's really helpful for me, but But yeah, it definitely helps me from a mental health perspective. And I think the longer run that I have, the more I get from it mentally, if that makes sense. No, that
Bridget Moroney 21:35
makes total sense. And that's that whole, I guess, progression there is truly amazing, like, especially the last part the the self compassion, because, you know, and maybe this is just me, as someone who's you know, as I admitted, you know, perfectionist, you know, you know, overly high achiever there, that can be a struggle for, for a lot of people is to is to practice that self compassion and be a motivator, like, you know, sometimes people, when they get to that point in a workout and mileage or just life in general, it's, it's not self compassion or self compassionate, it's self critical there. So that's, that's amazing that you can you can get to that level, again, especially because, as, as you mentioned, like in your everyday life, you know, as, as all of us, you know, we often are very self critical and things like that. So that's, that's, that's a really, what a, what a great gift you can give to yourself to have that moment. And, you know, I guess, kind of, again, going back to like, what I was saying, you know, with with meditation, mindfulness, this is why people, proponents, you know, advocate for that, because that cultivates that self compassion and things like that. And, you know, what you were bringing up there, like kind of the first mile it first mile is just kind of like, just grounding and presence there. And then you you mentioned, you get into, like, the just processing, you know, troubleshooting and everything, and then you kind of reach that level of, of self compassion and self acceptance. So that's, that's truly amazing. And, you know, I guess, a couple of things there, but, um, one because I think people who that the, the mindfulness teachers, and, and meditation teachers who I've spoken to all kind of say the same thing. They're, they're, you know, they're like, find what works for you. And so I think, you know, in lieu of meditation, this is a great thing for for you and hopefully for anyone who does have that experience. And it is very interested in I don't know, I'll have to like do some some research there on the on, like, what it is about running or cardio because I do hear that a lot. Like, you know, compared to and maybe, you know, weightlifting, you're focusing on form and other things. So you don't have that, but there is something about it, that it's like maybe it's the endorphins, maybe it's just it's something that's natural enough, like you know, we walking is natural for many of us. So it's like it's natural enough where you are able to be more present or, you know, the fact that most running is outdoors. So I don't know, I'm just kind of like high, you know, theorizing here but yeah, I don't know. It's, I hear it a lot, I guess is my point.
Kara Wood 24:27
Yeah, I think that's interesting too, because, um, I haven't thought about it in so many words, but I think you're absolutely right, that running is basically my form of meditation. It gets to be that way. If I do enough distance and I do wonder too, I talk in the book about all kinds of different exercise ideas you can you can do for you know, if you want to start an exercise streak, you don't have to do running, talk about walking, bike riding elliptical that I wonder if somebody For instance, like riding a bike would get the same sort of the same sort of progression in terms of how how they're thinking, because seems to me, I talked about this in the book, you got to be concentrating pretty hard when you're on a bike to make sure you're not falling off, getting hit by cars, all those things. So I feel like running in particular, and maybe walking or two exercises where your mind can just kind of be free to do what it wants to do, and not have to concentrate so hard on what you're doing, like what you're talking about with the weightlifting and such.
Bridget Moroney 25:32
Yeah, I mean, there is, you know, speaking of mindful there is there it's it's called somatic practices. And it's basically practices that that take you into your body, because that's kind of what mindfulness is meant to do mindfulness and meditation is like your, your out of your mind, you know, or at least out of the human mind, where we're sitting here and judging and stressing and, you know, having anxiety and you're just kind of in the moment. So things like yoga, and Tai Chi, and Qi, Gong, Qi Gong, and all of all of that are very good. But also there's there's mindful walking. I don't know if you've ever heard of, or anyone's listening, there's, there's plenty of apps out there, I I'm a fan of, because I use it is the is the calm app, and they have all sorts of, I think, fun exercises. And by exercises, I mean activities, like meditations and sleep stories, but um, one of the meditations they have is a walking meditation. And it's, it's, you know, you're bringing up like concentration. But again, it's, it's like you're focusing, so in the walking meditation, you're focusing on like, how your feet are connecting to the ground, and how your hips, like kind of like the the weights that you know, your weights that shifts, you know, from side to side. So, yeah, this is kind of a little bit of a tangent here, but I like, I like where we're going with this.
Kara Wood 26:56
So that's very interesting. I'm gonna check out that app. I think somebody else told me about it a while ago, and I just have have neglected to check it out. But I liked that idea of really thinking about just your mind connecting to what you're doing, and not trying to think about other things. Yeah, absolutely. I
Bridget Moroney 27:15
definitely check it out there. It's I mean, there's plenty of other apps. I think there's like headspace and things like that, that people enjoy. But I've we've had this app for many years. And so I'm just I'm biased towards it. Um, I guess, speaking, speaking of kind of going along with the the mental health thing, so you said that, that, you know, you started running, you started your running streak, you know, just for the physical benefit. And, you know, you mentioned, you know, just getting basically getting back into shape there. And the, you know, the mental health benefits, were kind of a surprise, I'm curious about like, what other sort of impacts did this have on your life as far as like, Did other habits or, you know, things in your lifestyle change as a result of the streak?
Kara Wood 27:57
Yeah, so it's funny, I can't even explain to you how, if you had shown me a profile of myself, 13 years ago, I would look like now, I laugh in your face. But what you know, what it tends to do, and I'm sure you see this, and you probably preach it to you, is once you really get committed to one area of your life doing well and being fit, then it starts spilling over, right? So you start eating healthier, because you don't want to feel terrible when you're running. Why would you want to do that? And the timing that it takes to get the run in and all that, you know, you're you're having to plan your life a little bit more not It's not crazy, it doesn't overtake you. But you do have to think, okay, like, for instance, if my husband is is out doing something that he needs to do for his job tonight, how am I going to get the run in? And so it kind of forces you to live a little bit more, just with a little bit more purpose and not just going through any particular way. So, yeah, I think it's helped me a lot of ways it's helped me with organization, with with eating healthier. Sure, there are a lot of other things. Oh, and you know, what I really like about it is I see the impact that it has on others who are watching me go through this journey, right. So before I wrote the book, it really I did not talk about it very often at all. If somebody asked me, you know, I would, I would tell them what they wanted to know. But I wasn't out really using any sort of platform or trying to to explain to people why I'm why I was doing what I was doing. But you know, people would notice anyway, right? They would notice that I'm running. I'm out running on my favorite trail all the time, and they'd say well What's up with that? You know, how, how many miles are you doing? How many days a week, and you'd get in a conversation and you know, would really be inspiring to people. And so that was pretty cool. And then since I've written the book, it's just been amazing to see people reach out, and people who are starting their own streaks and and you know, not that I'm a particularly inspiring person. I'm just totally ordinary, as I say in line one. But I think the idea is that anybody can do this. And I'm just sort of an example of that. And so if if somebody has struggled with, with motivation, and consistency, this is one of 1000 vehicles you can try, right? I mean, there's so many things out there. But it's, it's something that has really, truly helped a lot of people in my own inner circle. And it's starting to have an impact outside of that, which to me is really exciting. Don't don't
Bridget Moroney 31:08
not being an ordinary person, I think. I think that's like more like, you're speaking of the streaking community, and I don't know, I, David God got does David Goggins have a streak? I just feel like he's just famous for all sorts of crazy stuff. I don't know.
Kara Wood 31:21
No, pro, I have no idea for sure. But it wouldn't surprise me. Yeah,
Bridget Moroney 31:25
I don't know. He has, like his, but But my point is that is that like, people look at people like David Goggins, or whoever, you know, inserts, you know, whatever superhuman person out there, and they're like, Wow, that's really, that's really amazing and inspiring, but I could never be like that. And it's just like, you know, I guess I'm just again, trying to, you know, just say, like, don't discount the whole, like, you know, every day, you know, person, Mom, you know, professional woman, and you're getting in and that's, it's, it's kind of like I've seen this. I really got into CrossFit in the early days of CrossFit. Now CrossFit, again, talk about superhumans, but that was always what inspired me in the early days of CrossFit is like just seeing these everyday people do like incredible things. And it's like, okay, like, if she can do it, or he can do it, then I can do it. So
Kara Wood 32:13
and that's really, ultimately what I wanted to get across from the book is just me if I can do this, anybody can do this. You really, it's really just a matter of putting your mind to it. Putting your shoes on and going outside and running. You know,
Bridget Moroney 32:28
speaking of influencing people in your everyday life. So you have you have two children right there, they're still pretty young. Do they? Do they have? Do you see, like, any sort of impact or like, what do they think of the streak? Or how does that like, I don't know, influence them? Yeah. So
Kara Wood 32:44
um, so I have it, a daughter who's seven and a son who's two. So the two year old, he really all he knows about it is that he gets a free stroller ride, you know, every once in a while. But my daughter has been inspired to start running herself. And she and I will often go out she usually is good for a solid mile maybe a little bit more. Depends on her mood. I mean, seven years like, yeah, yeah, she's she's doing actually she's, she's doing a run walk contest at school. And she's, she's second in her grade right now. And she keeps getting beat by this, this little boy, and it's driving her crazy. So she's trying to get miles in wherever she can now, but, um, but she just she completed her first 5k Last December, and she's going to do another one this December, she's really excited for it. And that's something that as a kid, especially a kid her age, I would have never dreamed of doing. And so I like to think I've had a little bit of an impact on her when it comes to when it comes to running. Just seeing me get out there every single day and having it be a part of my lifestyle. I like to hope that that's having that's kind of rubbing off on her.
Bridget Moroney 34:03
I think it I mean, it sounds like it is there. And you know, I mean, again, it's just something that just gets preached, you know, like as parents, I mean, it's having your children see you, you know, again, like show up for yourself prioritize yourself. It's not it's, it's, it's a form of self care, I guess that our self respect in a way, you know, and especially for I hope, I think things are changing in a positive way since when I was you know, young and things just the way females you know, the way like fitness and especially for like young girls and everything is portrayed. I guess they're, you know, but uh, that's that's awesome. I mean, five kids seven years old. That's yeah, I'm not seven and still five is still you know, decent challenge. Um, yes, you
Kara Wood 34:51
got first sinner age. I don't know how many seven year olds there were Yeah.
Bridget Moroney 34:57
That's awesome. Um, but
Kara Wood 34:59
you know, going back Two point you were just making is, you know, I feel like a lot of mothers just, at least from what I hear from my own my own friends and my own circle people is, there's this idea when you have young children that anytime you take for yourself to exercise is almost like selfish, right? You feel bad, you feel guilty. And I just I don't like that idea because I think it's so important for me at least to sort of have that time to reset and, and it helps me be better when I when I get back. But also, I think that there are so many ways that you can incorporate your kids into your workout, that it actually becomes a win win and not you know, if you if you view it as a quote unquote selfish activity, figure out a way to to work the kids into your workout and, and, you know, it helps them It helps you and it's just another fun thing you guys can do together. Yeah,
Bridget Moroney 36:05
I mean, great boy, there, I've had this conversation with many people. And you know, last year, I had Ali Natalie on on the podcast, and we talked about so she's a she's a holistic health coach. And she really focuses on working with, with busy mothers and we talked to, you know, a lot about just basically mom guilt there. You know, which is, you know, as you, as you mentioned, is, you know, a real thing that that many I think, parents for, you know, any parent can can experience but you know, it seems like it's still something that's more like, I'm sure there's dad, I guess when I say as I'm sure there's there are some fathers who experienced their own form of of guilt, you know, but But mom guilt does seem to be like a very real thing. Just, you know, again, the way women navigate society or are expected to navigate society. But yeah, I mean, that's, that's the bottom line there is like, you're not being selfish, you know, and I guess that's, you could even say, your, you know, by not taking care of yourself, that's, you know, doing a a huge disservice. But But I love I love that idea. Like, you're the great, great. So, you know, again, it's, it goes back to, and I guess that's kind of the whole point of the streak here is like, there's gonna be things that happen, you know, work, whether illness, children, you know, and you just have to be creative. If you're dedicated enough and it's in its, it's, it's anchored to something bigger than, you know, just your ego, then you'll find a way to make it work.
Kara Wood 37:39
I love that, quote, I wish I could have stolen it and put it in my
Bridget Moroney 37:45
Absolutely.
Kara Wood 37:46
Spot on. I love it
Bridget Moroney 37:48
when you can was it? What do you call I guess when you when you do the whatever, we
Kara Wood 37:55
reboot, like a post?
Bridget Moroney 37:59
Supplemental? Thank you. Yeah. Well, so So speaking of your book and inspiration here, let's you do mention him in your book, let's talk about your husband for a minute here. You know, because he has his own journey, which is quite remarkable.
Kara Wood 38:17
He aside from me, I mean, he is, I think that the most powerful example of why these strokes can can really change your life and your mindset. He was someone who was an athlete in high school, and in college, went to college on a basketball scholarship, got injured in college, and it was a back injury. And he, from the time that I really knew him, which was just as he was finishing up college. Through the first 10 years of our marriage, he was someone who he always had that athlete mindset. And he wanted to do athletic activities, but he had this back problem. And he just he would, he would start in on whatever fad was going on at the time. And he'd go night did nothing with it for a month or two, he'd lose 40 pounds. And then he would lose motivation and gain the weight all back, completely stop exercising, and then do it all again the next year. And he was on this roller coaster of I mean, it seemed like it was just about a yearly deal, right where he would catch onto a fad, ride the high for a while and then crash and stay down for the rest of the year. And then all of a sudden, I noticed, probably, I don't know 10 years and that he kind of lost motivation altogether. And he was just he wasn't doing anything. He wasn't even trying anymore and that, you know, that's bothersome because that these back problems are so tricky because it hurts so much. And there's so much pain, but also, it's important to have a strong core because that helps with you know, and not a lot of weight that helps so much with, with, you know, navigating life with the back pains, right. So anyway, he, for whatever reason saw that you know what I was doing with the streak and I had been doing it for years and years and years. And you know, I'd never pushed it for him never even thought about it for him, because he's not going to be doing a running streak with a back problem, you know. So anyway, one day he was at the pool, at our little club pool with our, with our child, and he was teaching her how to swim. And he had been a swimmer in high school, a competitive swimmer. And I just dawned on him like the light bulb went off that day, he could do swimming for his cardio exercise. And he he started a swimming streak. And so he committed, you know, taking a page out of my book that was yet to repeat it. And he committed to five days a week, every single week. And he is now in his fourth year of not missing. And I mean, it's just been amazing. This is someone who struggled with consistency for more than a decade, and then had such a low for years that I worried that he wouldn't ever be doing anything regularly. And now he's made it such a big part of his lifestyle. And he goes to the pool every day after work, gives himself a couple of days off, I think that's critical. And it's just been phenomenal to watch. And I think he really is one of the best examples of how a street can work in a positive way to keep somebody motivated.
Bridget Moroney 41:59
What kind of clicked for him that day? Was it just something that he was just like, oh, this doesn't cause me any pain. And,
Kara Wood 42:05
you know, it's so hard to tell what clicks with people, right, but I don't think that swimming would have ever entered his mind as a possibility. But for teaching my daughter because he wasn't, even though he maybe had a membership to the why he wasn't thinking about swimming as a form of exercise anymore. It just wasn't something that he was even considering. But getting out there and physically performing the act of swimming to show her how to do it, I think, you know, probably brought back the memories of him of him swimming from high school and, and you know, it probably dawned on him that this isn't hurting like the elliptical was like, all these crazy other things I've tried in the past have. And so and then I think he's he saw what I was doing and how it kept me consistent. And so, you know, he kind of took a little bit from here took a little bit from here, push them together and came up with his own stroke idea. And it stopped me That's amazing.
Bridget Moroney 43:01
I mean, I guess it's kind of like just was it opportunity meets inspiration? Or it's just it all kind of came together at the right time?
Kara Wood 43:09
Absolutely. I think that's that's exactly what it was. And, you know, what's even more incredible about about him and what the streak has done for him from a physical perspective is he just last month finished his first half Ironman, and I, you know, that's something that I don't, I don't think he ever thought he could do in his life after that back injury. But the swimming every almost every day, you know, five days a week, the consistency of it that has given him enough of a base of fitness a baseline fitness level that he felt, you know, he didn't he trained for some 5k runs he had done. What's it called the Olympic version of the Iron Man. And he had done, you know, a couple of other things. And he thought, Okay, what, how do I push myself now beyond what I've done in the past? And so he signed up for this half Ironman, and frankly, I was a little bit nervous about it. Because you know, for those who don't know what that is, it's a what is it? It's a half marathon of running. So that's 13.1 miles. It's 1.2 miles of swimming, I think and like just over 50 miles of bike riding. And you know, it is a day I couldn't I don't think I could do it. He just completed that. And it Yeah, it's a testament to how how incredible this street concept can be in terms of maintaining fitness over time and giving you that baseline if you do want to take it to another level. Yeah. You've got you're not starting from nothing.
Bridget Moroney 44:49
Yeah, I mean, again, it's whatever. I guess kind of back to the whole point, like whatever, whatever gets you out the door, I guess but it's also a testament of just the power of x realizing the importance of exercise really in general there because I mean, he went from, like you say, like, yeah, like this, like, and for anyone who's had back injuries, like you don't realize how important your back is until like, it's like, I mean, it is, it is miserable. I don't think I have had suffered to his degree, but I've had my own share of back injuries and it's just like, you can't sit you can't sleep. Like it's just in you know, and yeah, you can't, like there's many things that it's very difficult to be active there. So, but that's amazing that he was able to find a way to be active, and then through that consistent activity was able to, essentially, I guess, you know, rebuild his body or, you know, rebuild his fitness there so that his body is stronger. And I mean, gosh, take on like a half Ironman, that's like, if he was like, Oh, he went and ran like a five KB. Like, that's amazing, which it was, which is amazing, you know, but I mean, like, he kept he kept challenging himself, because I guess you just say he, like ran like a 5k. I guess he's he's done other races, or he did other races?
Kara Wood 46:03
Yeah. Over time. He's done. You know, he's dabbled here and there with some some running races. And of course, he's never going to be, you know, a particularly fast runner. He's just worried about getting them done. And, you know, PACE is not a thing for him. Nor should it be. But, but yeah, so he's done some runs. And, and then, you know, some real shorter versions of the Iron Man. But, but yeah, this is by far the biggest physical challenge that he has, has accomplished in the time that I've known him, I think in his life. And, and I think But for that, that base that he's already built with the the swimming, so consistently, I don't think it would have been possible for him. Yeah, I
Bridget Moroney 46:57
completely agree. Um, I want to talk about it. And I want to you tell me, if you want to talk to us about this or not, I don't want to give too much of the book away. But speaking of your, of your husband, and I want to talk about the the mulligan there, because I loved I said, I seriously love that part. And I think, you know, again, like kind of brought this up, but just goes back to the whole values and your why for doing these things in the first place. So yeah, for those listening.
Kara Wood 47:26
Yeah. So, you know, this story is sort of a story about why, at least for him, he's not letting the streak overtake his priorities in life. So when I had my second child, he was born on a day, that would have been a critical strict day for my husband. And so he, you know, we're sitting in the hospital, and I really wasn't keeping track of when, when or how many sick days he had going on, I heard you were a little busy. I'm stayed in touch. We can talk about that later. Yeah. But he, so he knew it was a day that if he, if he stayed with me in the hospital all day, you know, that his his streak would be broken. And he didn't tell me and, you know, he didn't tell me because he knew that if he told me that, I would say no, I don't care, it's an hour, go do it. But to him, it was just so much more important to be there with me in that time and be there with our new baby and not miss even, you know, 45 minutes or an hour. And so he just decided that day. You know what, this is a huge life event. I'm giving myself a mulligan today. And I'm taking a mulligan, and I'm not counting this as breaking my streak. It's, it's something that is just a huge priority for me. And, you know, I'm not gonna worry about it. And he didn't he took the mulligan day and he you know, that's something that I would have worried about for somebody like him is okay, the streaks broken now, are you going to get back on it? But he didn't view it that way. He just, you know, gave himself the model again and kept back on it. And I think that's a really cool idea. I haven't personally been faced with with doing that yet. But I think you know, if the if if it was something that was a big priority, that was just more important to me than running for 10 minutes that day, then I absolutely endorse and I think it's a great idea. I
Bridget Moroney 49:42
completely agree. And I had never thought about that as well. But like, like to your point, you know, there's so many other things in our life that are that that can be and should be more important than than a workout streak there and yeah, I like I like that statement that you know, a great example of you know, this the The streak is not the end all be all in his life, you know, like, you know, even though it's, you know, something of great importance there. I mean, yeah, there comes a time where, you know, your family, you know, whatever it is, is more important. And I, you know, again, I appreciate that just, you know, and maybe, you know, we kind of mentioned the the streaking community, there might be people that are gonna poopoo on that, because, you know, there are purists and things, and I definitely, like I said, I opened up my Instagram, and I see lots of people, you know, beating their chests saying no matter what, and, and that's awesome. And that's great for them. But sometimes there are there are what's and so I like the concept of the Mulligan and kind of mentioned this in the book, like, it's not, it's not for just like everyday thing. It's not like just like, oh, you know, whatever, I'm not feeling it today. I'm gonna take a mulligan like that was a super, super, very pivotal, like, you know, life moment for both of you there. Yeah, exactly.
Kara Wood 50:55
You got to reserve it for that time that, you know, is just truly a big life event, not just, you know, you want to watch Netflix or whatever. But, but it's it. I think it's a powerful tool, because it goes back to like, for instance, I wonder why that person broke the meditation strike, maybe it was something really important to them that was was more important to do. And you know, if they viewed it as okay, I'm just taking a mulligan today. Maybe they'd still be doing it today. Yeah,
Bridget Moroney 51:22
exactly. Yeah. You know, and just kind of like what we mentioned, you know, that you've found in your longer run like that self compassion or acceptance there. I'm speaking as someone who has a very hard time accepting their their human limitations. So but let's so you kind of brought those up, and let's talk about it. So you've had you've had two children, they're there. They're, you know, they're they're seven and two. So and you've been at the streak for 13 years, you talk about, you talked about giving birth, and you said that your streak wasn't broken. So let's talk about you know, especially for anyone, you know, for women out there, because pregnancy is it's a lot.
Kara Wood 52:04
Yeah, so you know, I've spent this whole podcasts trying to show how I'm not a nut, and now you're going to now it's going to be revealed.
Bridget Moroney 52:12
We don't have to bring up that particular anecdote. If you want to kidding. Yeah. Although, your legal disclaimer.
Kara Wood 52:22
So, um, so when I, when I, when I became pregnant with my first child, I am trying to do the math here real quick. I think I was about five years into the streak. And I think that should work out just about right. Um, and so, you know, that's a decent amount of time, but I, I had an irrational fear at that time, in my journey, that if I stopped it, I would never again, do anything, you know. And so, um, so, when I was pregnant, I decided, like, I'm just gonna keep it up to see if I can, you know, and if it gets too much, it gets too much. But, you know, the first trimester was okay, it wasn't great. The second trimester, you know, okay, it's not feeling too good anymore. And then the third trimester was, it was hell. But you know, it. And by that point, it truly was like a maybe 1415 minute mile. And I was doing it, you know, just very, very easy. But to me, it was just the idea of continuing to do something during pregnancy. And, you know, I essentially gotten it okay by my doctor, and everything was, was fine on that front. And so I was, I was comfortable that I wasn't hurting myself for the baby, you know, it's just listen to your body. And then, you know, it just so happened that she was born on a day that I had already done all five days for the week. And so I had, essentially, the weekend of that week. And then the first two weeks, first two days of the the other week to recover before trying it again. So it was four days. And I'm sure that anybody in the medical community will advise against this. I decided, You know what, I'm just gonna give it a very easy go after these four days and see what happens. And, you know, it turns out that I, that I could do it, and so I just kept it up. And, you know, from a physical perspective, probably not the best idea, but I just have to tell you from a mental perspective, and you know, the postpartum phase of life, I think it was huge for me, it was absolutely huge, making myself get out of the house 10 to 15 minutes a day. You know, most of the times with the baby in the stroller or however it was and just taking that break. Yes, physically, it was diff I called for a while, but mentally, it was huge for me huge. And then when my son came around, it was a similar situation that I had already, you know, I done my strict week requirements. By the time he came, both of my children knew not to come. With him, I only could get to recovery days, but it was a lot easier the second time around. And so, you know, I was able to keep it going. And once again, I think, just for from a mental health perspective, it was it was so huge for me. And, you know, that may not be for everybody. I mean, surely a pregnancy or childbirth could be a reason for Mulligan? Yeah. Um, but, you know, for me personally, just how I felt. Both times, I felt like I could do it. And I felt like it was something that I wanted to do for myself. And as long as it wasn't hurting me or the the babies, you know, why not? And so I was able to keep it going. Yeah,
Bridget Moroney 56:05
amazing. I mean, there's I think, you know, again, like we've we've come a long way in our society and understanding what what our bodies are capable of. And so I guess, with that said, like, you know, there's many women out there that show that you can still be active through pregnancy and postpartum Of course, you know, listen to what your doctor advises, listen to your body do what's right, first and foremost, for your own health and your your child's health care. But you know, if it is possible, you know, don't let it stop you. Um, and, you know, what's that, that's a great point about, about, again, the mental health side of it. And I don't know if I'm, if I'm correct in this and tell me tell me if I'm, like, kind of, I don't know, speaking out of my scope or not. So I'm not a mother. But you know, again, having conversations with with those who, who are mothers, and just, you know, seeing kind of the overall narrative and diet, you know, kind of conversation in our society, there is something that changes when you become a mother, that something in your identity that changes, and I guess what I'm hearing and what it sounds like it maybe I'm reading, you know, way too into it. And again, you can just tell me Shut up, Bridgette. But it's like, but it sounds like you know, having that, you know, you mentioned postpartum and just kind of them like having that streak. We talked about how it's not selfish, but maybe it's okay to be a little selfish in that, in that sense, where it's like, this is for you. This is like the one thing that you can have are one of the you know, one of the few things you can have for yourself that is yours alone. I don't know, is that am I getting? Wi Fi? I'm out of line?
Kara Wood 57:42
No, I think that's why I think it was a way to look back at an anchor when you're otherwise having so much chaos and your life is changing before your eyes and you have no idea what you're doing. You know, it's, it's something that you can you can look back to and say, Okay, I can, you know, for 15 minutes, I can be myself again. And I do want to say to you that because my strict definition is is so minimal, right? It really was a lot easier to carry out than somebody who might have a more aggressive definition. Right. So, I mean, I really don't think that I could have done more than a mile on some days. And nor should I, maybe so. So again, it all comes back to what's right for the individual and how you carry it out yourself. You know,
Bridget Moroney 58:41
I'm really we we've talked a lot about the minimum there. Which you know, for the streak I think you know, and you bring this up like you brought this up like it's it's it's a great thing to have like that minimum it's like just enough where like you did something but again on your worst you know, we're saying like third trimester pregnant like you can still you know, get it done and Call it a streak but you know, I think I thought about this a lot as I was listening to your to your book there so just quick shout out it is in print and audiobook. So you know you can listen to it while you're on your your running streak for anyone thanks for Yeah, but but I just kind of like quick random interjection or random tidbit there. It made me think a lot about just like training overall in general again, because like the way people in and again, your husband is a is a great example of this really, he was able to build pretty great work capacity and fitness was through being consistent. And so for a lot of things in in fitness and training, it's about that frequency. It's about that consistency, like if you go like zero to 100 You're gonna crash and burn. But it on the, you know, I've mentioned I'm big into strength training, there's there's, there's a type of weightlifting or weight training or Olympic weight training. So we're talking about, like, CLEAN JERK snatches things like that you see in this in the, the Olympics called the Bulgarian method. So, in the no 60s 70s, like the Russians were, like, phenomenal in the Olympics and, and in the Bulgarians were and, you know, truth be told a lot of it had to do with performance enhancing drugs. But, you know, part of it also was just like their training methodology. And so, a lot of coaches, as you know, in recent years have have looked at this, this way of training and have kind of like, made their own version for people who are not on steroids, but it goes back to that, that daily, minimum, so part of the training program or protocol was just like training every day, sometimes multiple times a day, which again, people are like, whoa, that's, you know, like, You got to be on steroids to do that, which they were, you know, but if, but again, for the people who the coaches and people who have tried to do this now, you know, natural, whatever, not enhanced, the daily minimum is part of it. So, like, I'll take, you know, just, you go to squat for the day, and it's like, what is your daily minimum, and then there's kind of like, all the way up to the maximum. And the whole point, the whole the whole reasoning behind this, and it kind of goes back to what I was saying with your streak is like, if you hit this daily minimum of weight, in your whatever it is squat, deadlift, whatever, you will make progress in your, in your training in your strength. Now, if you're feeling if you're feeling awesome, go for more. And like I said, for them, like there was like, kind of like the cap, they're like, don't do anything more than this, because then you won't recover. But yeah, I just, I just wanted to bring that up. I think, you know, whether it's running, weightlifting, swimming, like, I think there is power in that daily minimum, they're not just for consistency, but for for actual training progress.
Kara Wood 1:02:12
I absolutely think so. And, you know, the other thing it does is for somebody who's not even apt to really do more, it has the effect of inspiring you to do more in and of itself. So like, you know, for instance, today, I went out and, and I didn't know how long I was going to run for, I knew I had to do my minimum. But I have this idea in my mind of potentially doing a half marathon in November. And so I'm out running, and I'm thinking to myself, well, you know, I've got this half marathon possibility coming up, I've got to start really doing more. And, you know, I've got to get the mileage, start getting it cranked up. And the weather happened to be nice today. And so I ended up running for seven miles. And, you know, so I guess the idea, right, is that I couldn't go out and run seven miles, if I didn't have a baseline fitness to begin with, you know, a certain level of running fitness. And for somebody like me, I wouldn't even be interested in running seven miles, or doing a half marathon, if I weren't part of the running community and hearing other people having goals that they're setting for themselves and that kind of thing. So I think that, you know, having that minimum is important for a lot of things, but like you said, it helps so much for training, but it also can help just make you realize that you want to train for something more, it can inspire you to do more than just the minimum.
Bridget Moroney 1:03:49
One of my, my favorite quotes. Do you have rich role? Is it Yeah, okay. Say speaking of the running committee, so if for you or if anyone's ever read his book there, I think like one of his quotes or like the chapters is like, there's no finish line, like so that's kind of the point. It's like, you know, there's always that that goalpost is always kind of moving.
Kara Wood 1:04:09
Yes. Yeah. My boss is a huge fan of birch roll, and I've been he just turned me on to him. So I've got it is I'm been listening to some podcasts, but the book is next up on my list.
Bridget Moroney 1:04:21
It's it's, it's an awesome book, and if you know, or I don't know how much you know, about his personal story, but just you know, again, like he's a he's a superstar now, but I mean, at one point, he was very or at night. Yeah, I guess you could say ordinary, like, just what he overcame in his life, you know, with addiction and health and everything else like that. Speaking speaking of inspiration, yeah, we've talked a lot about, yeah, the daily minimum and consistency. And, you know, we've mentioned how, I guess your husband, you know, again, using him as an example, here, you know, struggled with consistency, you know, initially, I guess what would be Your you know, and we talked about, like, what inspired him and it was just kind of like the perfect timing of of it all. But for anyone who maybe is listening who has struggled with that consistency, like what sort of words of encouragement or or advice would you would you give to them if they are considering, you know, giving a streak a shot?
Kara Wood 1:05:19
Uh, yeah, good question. I think that, I think it's something that, what do you have to lose by trying it, right? If you've tried other methods, and you've, you know, you haven't been successful with them. This is something that really has been tried and true for me and the people in my circle. And I think that if you put some thought into it on the front end, and you're not too aggressive with the definition that you set in terms of your daily minimum, your exercise type, right, we didn't even really get into it much. But you can, you can be more general with the exercise, you can say cardio, or you can, you know, make running or walking count, whatever you want to do, but come up with a definition, write it down, and stick to it. And you know, set your set your exercise type, set your minimum amount per day, and set your minimum amount per of days per week, and say to yourself, that's it, I'm starting this, and I'm not going to stop it. And I think you'll be surprised that if you're if you're really clear with your definition, and the parameters that you set, and you really put your mind to it, I think you'll be surprised, I think that it's something that can can truly work to motivate you first to get going. But then to keep that motivation over time. And that's something that so many of us struggle with.
Bridget Moroney 1:06:57
Yeah, I love it exactly. Like, you know, why not give this a shot, like other things haven't worked. So why not try this and, and really quick, and this is kind of like the whole, again, for anyone who's listening, and is like, definitely pick up Kara's book there, because you do and something that I liked, I really liked about this approach, which, again, has made me reconsider, you know, revisit my own, I guess, relationship with a streak there. It's like, but it really is, it's, it's like really putting in the consideration there. Like, yeah, exercise type. You mentioned just just now like, you know, you could even be more general, but in the book, you talk about kind of the pros and cons of it, like you really, you really do a good job. And in my opinion, you do a good job of like really kind of showing, you know, helping people like, again, like I guess, kind of figure that out, like, you know, everything from frequency time a day, exercise type we mentioned, you know, again, and just kind of seeing what the pros and cons are, because someone might be listening, they're like, I'm gonna start a reading streak, but then all of a sudden, like, if you have bad knees, that's probably not a bad. Good idea. Right?
Kara Wood 1:08:05
Yeah, exactly. You got to be thoughtful about the the exercise that you choose, and your own limitations, you know, in your own body. But one other thing that I wanted to mention is how this street concept is so powerful, because it ensures that you have your own self motivation, you don't need an outside force to motivate you. And you know, I think what's, what's particularly great about it is you sort of have it's like this promise you're making to yourself and you don't want to break the promise to yourself, you know, but if you add on top of that, like if for instance, if they're working with a fitness coach someone like you and they tell you what they're doing and their commitment that they're making, then you checking in with them will ensure you know that it keeps that they have another form of staying accountable right. And so it can work with with any sort of fitness plan regimen with a coach without a coach I think it's something that you can fit into whatever overall strategy you have and it can be powerful for consistency
Bridget Moroney 1:09:23
first of all, as a coach I love it when people come to me already self motivated makes my life easier but but also but But in all seriousness like that is at least for me and what I you know, I know at least that the type of coach I'm some I'm you know I've been trained to do it's not about my my wants for my clients about their wants their but my hope for all people is that you are you are intrinsically motivated and you're doing this you know for yourself, I guess what would be like the, the kind of like most crucial message or lesson there that you want people to take away from your book.
Kara Wood 1:10:04
I think it's just that, truly, it's, I think I would want people to take away what my own mother said after she read it. And she's not someone who's particularly into fitness. I was hoping to motivate her with it. But she, she just she put it down. And she said, anyone can do this. And she's right. And I think that is the message that I want everybody to hear. And I think it's a true one that, really, it's something that anybody can use as a motivator of it.
Bridget Moroney 1:10:42
I think that perfectly said, Truly this this has been, this has been a really fun and inspiring conversation to have. So I I do truly appreciate you being on here and sharing just your, your personal journey and a little bit about the book about your book really quick, I guess, you know, for people who want to pick up the book, and you know, we're like, you know, what's the I think they probably can guess by the our conversation, but what is the title? And you know, where can they access it? Or, you know, order it?
Kara Wood 1:11:15
Yeah, so think thanks for bringing that up. I'm not, I'm not a great marketing person. But the books called the power of the streak. And it's a clear path to consistent exercise and staying motivated over time. You can get it it's on it's in pretty much all formats, ebook, paperback, hardback and audio book. And you can find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, pretty much, you know, the big places online where books are sold, and then the audio book, same thing, audible iTunes, you know, wherever you get your podcasts and such. And, as you know, a little way of giving back, I'm donated donating some of the royalties to the Special Olympics. And so, you know, it's a, it's a win win if you buy it. I appreciate I appreciate everybody taking the time to listen about it.
Bridget Moroney 1:12:12
Yeah, definitely. I'm glad you brought that I was gonna ask, I didn't even realize it when I when I picked up the book until I got to the end. And there were, you know, you mentioned that, you know, a portion of it goes to nonprofits there. So that's, that's amazing that it's, you know, it's like you said, it's a win win, like, you know, pick up the book, you're, you're doing something for yourself to be inspired for your for your own exercise streak, and then you're doing something to help people you know, be active, you know, in in this in this life. So that's, that's amazing. And I guess you know, as far as like for people who want to reach out to you directly, there we go. I was gonna say individually for people who want to reach out to you directly, especially if they're inspired to start their own streak here as we mentioned, like the streaking community and social media like Where can they find you on the on the interwebs?
Kara Wood 1:13:11
Yeah, so I'm on Instagram at the power of the streak I'm on they're relatively often so I think that'd probably be the easiest way and then I have a link tree that has all my information I do a blog also with my sister that's kind of fun. And yeah, so you can you can get all that information it's just link tree the power of the street
Bridget Moroney 1:13:37
nice the output we again we were talking about talk speaking of pre pre recording conversations, I appreciate the the link tree because it's just like a nice little fun one stop shop so that'll be in the show notes but yeah, Follow Follow Kara on Instagram. Start your own streak tagger tag me I get tagged in people, like I said, talking about the lunging streak there so shout out to my my my lunch homies Yeah, you know and just really quick talking about like accountability and an inspiration like I like being tagged and and it's fun to tag other people because it's kind of like that reminder of like I'll wake up I'm in I'm in the Mountain Time Zone A lot of people that I that I'm connected with are in the east coast so they're all already like up and Adam and like on you know with their their their workouts or whatever you know by the time I wake up so I wake up and I see like oh snap like Dalton's already like finished his like I gotta get after it here you know so it can be if you're into that if you're listening and you're into that like give it a shot there. It's it's a fun way to have some friendly competition and motivation there.
Kara Wood 1:14:52
Yeah, I can't agree more. And I really love when people reach out and tell me about starting a streak and you know it It really, you know, it's, it's great because that's the whole point of putting the book out there, right when to, to if I if I help one person, it's all it's all had been worth it you know, but but also I do I do want to say that that the power of social media is just pretty incredible because when I started my Instagram account for the power of the streak, I really wasn't involved in the fitness or running community at all online, I mean at all. And of course, you know, all the bots and algorithms, they figure out your fitness account, and then they connect you with other fitness accounts and they show you you know, and it's amazing how motivating it's been just seeing other people and what they're doing, you know, so there's definitely something to be said for all that. And in a positive way really. And you know, it's partially responsible for connecting the two of us and I've just, I'm such a fan of the the content that you're putting out there and it's it's just such great stuff so anyway, thank you so much for for reaching out, and I just love it. That's one of the personal benefits to me having put this book out there is connecting with people like you.
Bridget Moroney 1:16:19
Oh, well thank you. And yeah, the the feeling's very mutual like I you know, I don't know if I've said this to you or dive I've said to other people like the the cool thing about having a podcast is like, just get to like, be, you know, really fun and interesting people like yourself and just have really cool conversations. So yeah, I love it. Well, I appreciate the kind words and the words of encouragement and inspiration, everything that you shared today saying thanks again for having me on. Hey, really quick before you go, I need you to do one thing for me. If there was something in this episode that you think would be a value to someone else, please share it. For me. My goal is to empower as many people as possible on their health and fitness journeys and one of the best ways to do it is to share awesome information like what you heard in today's episode out with many others. So do me a favor, copy and paste that link, send it to one of your friends, your family or anyone who you think would get some enjoyment and value out of this. I appreciate you for listening. I'll see you next time.