Some runners take pride in finishing a five or 10-kilometre race, but for Tobi Mahar her biggest triumph as a runner has been inspiring others.
“I think my biggest accomplishment would be distance and inspiring others,” said Mahar, founder of Cold Lake Learn to Run. “I think if I could do it, anyone could do it. I wasn't a runner, I wasn't in good shape, and I did it. Others have come up to me and told me that I have inspired them. I think about how much it has changed my life for me, and if someone else can realize that, then that's a good thing.”
Mahar and her husband moved to Cold Lake in 2009. Since then, Mahar has been running off and on, but it wasn't until her son was born and she was at her heaviest weight that she decided it was time to change, for good.
“I think I just realized that I can do this… once you realize how much power you have in your mind, what you're capable of pushing yourself to do. I wasn't giving up, I just kept going and I kept improving and it just kept me going,” the mother of three emphasized.
It was her parents who inspired her to start running. Runners themselves, Mahar would often think to herself, “if they can do it, so can I.”
As someone who has always struggled with weight, even at an early age, it was important for Mahar to stay motivated and push herself.
“I was overweight even as a child. I have been overweight my whole life, and I hated physical activity.”
Mahar didn't let that slow her down and she soon recognized that she, too, could be a runner., Since then, she has completed five and even 10 kilometre races.
“I realized that I can do this,” she said.
Since starting her running journey, Mahar has met with other running groups, but said their speed could be intimidating at times. Knowing that there were others out there looking for guidance on how to get started in running, she formed the group Cold Lake Learn to Run.
“People were asking me how I got started, and are also too intimidated to run with (other running groups). I decided to start a group where people who have started from scratch, and maybe haven't run before, can do so with others in the community,” Mahar described.
The runners meet on Tuesday evenings and Sundays, and all are welcome to drop-in and give it a try.
Mahar encourages everyone to bear one thing in mind when they begin their own running excursion: “Just don't push yourself too hard, otherwise you will give up.”
She recommends starting small and working your way up to your goal.
For example, to start, Mahar suggests running in increments of one. For one minute you walk and then for one minute you run, rotating until you reach your mark.
“I thought it was hard and that I wasn't built like a runner. I just thought the odds were against me… and then I learned that it doesn't really matter if you're fast, it doesn't really matter if you're a runner,” noted Mahar. “The running community is really about doing your best…in a lot of other sports, you have to keep up with everybody, but with running, you don't.”
This is the third week since the incorporation of the Cold Lake Learn to Run group, and already it consists of 10 to 15 members.
That doesn't include those who are following along on Facebook, and are interested in giving it a try, or are doing it on their own at home.
The goal is to get a group of people together who vary in running capabilities to run five kilometres.
One great thing about the group, Mahar said, is everyone goes their own speed.
She continued that there are a number of benefits to running and walking, including the fact that it's inexpensive, can be done anywhere, not a lot of equipment is needed, it keeps you active, and can include the whole family.
“Running is a big thing right now. It seems like it's really taking off. There are some local races that people want to do, they just don't know where to start. Having more involvement in those, bringing the community together, having families be active together, all of that is very beneficial.”
For more information about the group, or to connect with the Mahar, visit the Cold Lake Learn to Run Facebook page.
