Read here about Kate Hover, a Mom, a Military Wife, a Runner, a positive part of the Clarksville Community.
FROM KATE:
I am a military wife and mother of three (6, 5, and 3 years old). I started running 13 years ago in Georgia after meeting another military wife who was a runner. We lived in the same apartment complex, had both recently married, and moved away from home for the first time in our lives. We’d meet to run, chat, and to pass the time while our husbands were away. Since I was new to running, a mile or two was about all we’d accomplish. Next, my husband and I moved to Hawaii where I met another military wife who motivated me to run. She had just recently had a baby and was trying to get back into shape. While in Hawaii, I ran several races including a marathon, a triathlon and an adventure race that lasted over 17 hours and covered 72 miles! However, I didn’t consider myself a serious runner and I just enjoyed each event at my own pace. It wasn’t until three more moves and three babies that I started to get serious about running. I had three kids in three years, and I had already quit my job as a teacher to stay home and take care of the children.
After my third child was born (on the same day my husband left for a 12-month deployment to Iraq), I set a goal to get back into shape and to become a better runner. I started out running short mileage, but I trained for and ran the Army Ten Miler in October 2007 averaging 8:20 per mile. I was thrilled! Up to this point I never thought that I could run faster than a 9-minute mile. After that race, I joined a local running group in Charlottesville, Virginia and trained for another ten-miler. Just five months after the Army Ten Miler, I ran the Charlottesville Ten Miler at less than 8:00 per mile!
Now I am part of the R3 Team in Clarksville. Running with a group has helped me meet people in the community, to learn the area, and to run in places where I normally would not have visited. I never would have met my running friends if it weren’t for the group. I would rather meet friends for a run than for lunch, shopping, or pedicures. The R3 Team has also helped me become a better runner. I ran the Country Music Half Marathon in April at 7:37 per mile.
Although I usually crave running , there are times when it can feel like a chore. Times when the kids’ homework and extra activities seem endless... Times when my kids are sick or when my husband is working long hours or deployed... But it doesn’t matter - I make running a priority. I schedule it on the calendar along with my children’s school and sporting events, volunteering, FRG meetings, etc. It helps that my husband is a huge supporter, but I get a babysitter for times when he can’t be home. Running requires a commitment, but the payoff is more than worth it.
To all of you busy moms out there, I say NO EXCUSES. Make a commitment to yourself. Set a goal and start out small if you are new to running. If I can do it, you can too! Running makes me a better mom. I love it!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
FACEBOOK!! Here we go..
Hello!... Ok, not only are we on Twitter, Blog and our own page.. we submitted to FACEBOOK.. Yes,, we are on pages. Sign up and get updates and info, pics and more. Look forward to hearing from you.
How was the Resolution Run?? Let us know.

The Resolution Run. So many people came out for the Resolution Run. I believe there were around 55 people there. How exciting to start your New Year off with a run. Whether it be for your health or new goals.. a run on New Year's is sooo good.
So let's hear some feedback on the run. We would love to do this once a month or every couple of months. Just let us know what would improve it or what was great about it..
If you are in the store, say thanks to Mike, he put the Jan Run together.
Also, the Half Marathon Team will meet for the first time on January 14th. More info to follow.
Thanks always,
Keep Running,
R3
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Resolution Run!! Jan 1, 2010 10 am from the Island Bar and Grill.
Hello Everyone. I know that Christmas and the Holidays are upon us.. but now is the time for us to manage next years races or walks and to entertain a goal that we would like to accomphlish. A 5K, A triathlon, a Marathon.. whatever it is that your body and mind accept. Now is the time to take a few days off of regular training and look at the upcoming schedules of the New Year's offerings.
I hope everyone's Holidays are full of family and love, and everyone's addiction to getting healthy continues into the New Year.
We have such a variety of people that come into the R3 Store. It is a great reminder of what a healthy lifestyle can offer: lifelong friends that choose to finish a 5K, Sisters that walk for a cause, parents that drive their children to excel in running and sports, brothers from around the world running the same race, and then there is you...you with your own campaign and compelling passion not to win every race, not to win any race, but to just improve your last time.
To feel that last push of energy and to know that you did that, in that moment of time, that you pushed yourself to run just a little bit harder, to give just a little bit more, to desire something and drive to receive it.
It will be a great year ahead, whether the marathon is on the agenda or those first two miles.
I challenge everyone.. to find at least one person you know, just one...from the office, from your daycare, a family member, a close friend, a person you just met... to encourage them to take a walk, if they run, to finish a race. This race can be with you on a training run or organized race. Make it an event, make it an experience to remember. Some examples of fun things to do to get people motivated, hmm...that is easy.. (1)Dress up for the walk, I mean really dress up in your favorite funny, decorative gear and watch the heads turn,, time will go by so fast and your belly will hurt from laughing more than your legs.. (2)Walk or run to a place, once completed with your run, have a drink, have a healthy snack, have a coffee, run with the stroller to your babysitters and keep running after you drop the kids off. (3)Have an established run or race on the calendar (i.e. www.active.com or www.r3running.com are good websites. A suggestion is to have one more than 4 months away. Get as many people that you know to run or participate, either by support or watching and encouraging or just walking the event. Make shirts for your cause and get busy!!(4)Find a cause and have a reason. This is really the easiest one.
Lastly, be prepared, be safe and have fun.
RESOLUTION RUN!! JANUARY 1, 2010 AT 10 AM FROM THE ISLAND BAR AND GRILL OFF MADISON. 2551 MADISON ST, CLARKSVILLE, TN.
FREE RUN, just bring your shoes, warm gear and your resolutions.
Can not to see you in the store for upcoming new items.
Take Care,
Cyleste
R3
I hope everyone's Holidays are full of family and love, and everyone's addiction to getting healthy continues into the New Year.
We have such a variety of people that come into the R3 Store. It is a great reminder of what a healthy lifestyle can offer: lifelong friends that choose to finish a 5K, Sisters that walk for a cause, parents that drive their children to excel in running and sports, brothers from around the world running the same race, and then there is you...you with your own campaign and compelling passion not to win every race, not to win any race, but to just improve your last time.
To feel that last push of energy and to know that you did that, in that moment of time, that you pushed yourself to run just a little bit harder, to give just a little bit more, to desire something and drive to receive it.
It will be a great year ahead, whether the marathon is on the agenda or those first two miles.
I challenge everyone.. to find at least one person you know, just one...from the office, from your daycare, a family member, a close friend, a person you just met... to encourage them to take a walk, if they run, to finish a race. This race can be with you on a training run or organized race. Make it an event, make it an experience to remember. Some examples of fun things to do to get people motivated, hmm...that is easy.. (1)Dress up for the walk, I mean really dress up in your favorite funny, decorative gear and watch the heads turn,, time will go by so fast and your belly will hurt from laughing more than your legs.. (2)Walk or run to a place, once completed with your run, have a drink, have a healthy snack, have a coffee, run with the stroller to your babysitters and keep running after you drop the kids off. (3)Have an established run or race on the calendar (i.e. www.active.com or www.r3running.com are good websites. A suggestion is to have one more than 4 months away. Get as many people that you know to run or participate, either by support or watching and encouraging or just walking the event. Make shirts for your cause and get busy!!(4)Find a cause and have a reason. This is really the easiest one.
Lastly, be prepared, be safe and have fun.
RESOLUTION RUN!! JANUARY 1, 2010 AT 10 AM FROM THE ISLAND BAR AND GRILL OFF MADISON. 2551 MADISON ST, CLARKSVILLE, TN.
FREE RUN, just bring your shoes, warm gear and your resolutions.
Can not to see you in the store for upcoming new items.
Take Care,
Cyleste
R3
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Getting there... Dreaming ahead
Hello Runners!
I am pretty proud of myself. I managed to get in six days of running last week while travelling for Thanksgiving. That should be a given, but I am happy with myself. It helps that I have always really liked running on holidays. There is nothing better than getting up on Thanksgiving or Christmas before anyone else has made it out of bed. It is nice to take a little time on a holiday to just enjoy a quiet moment out on the roads while most people are at home safe and sound. I vividly remember one early Christmas morning in Ohio. It had snowed all night, and not a creature was stirring (not even a mouse). I sailed down country snow covered roads and felt like the only person on the planet. I took the opportunity to work on my Jimmy Stewart impersonation. My times have gotten better since then, but the impression is just as bad as ever!
I am still not getting in many miles, but the routine is starting to come back.I'm even suffering bouts of runner's guilt if I don't head out for some miles. Runner's guilt seems to strike after my breakfast has settled, or when I see someone else running. Now that the routine is feeling more comfortable, it's time to start planning ahead...
I'm thinking a spring half marathon to get me bumping up the miles during the winter doldrums, then a fall marathon. If all goes well (hold on to your hats) Boston in April 2011.
It seems silly to be thinking about a race in 2011 but, I am one of those people who needs the big event on the calendar. I need to pick a big race, train, and pick another big race. I truly admire those of you who can run everyday for the pure enjoyment of logging miles. I am genuinely jealous of you. My absolute favorite are the people who come out and race and have no idea what their PR is. They are totally in the moment. I'm always looking ahead (to the next big race) or behind (comparing times with the past). Even when I am out logging miles I'm thinking about the next race instead of just enjoying the run. Maybe one day I'll enjoy the everyday part of training, but until then I'll be looking at running through binoculars.
Keep it up!
Devin
I am pretty proud of myself. I managed to get in six days of running last week while travelling for Thanksgiving. That should be a given, but I am happy with myself. It helps that I have always really liked running on holidays. There is nothing better than getting up on Thanksgiving or Christmas before anyone else has made it out of bed. It is nice to take a little time on a holiday to just enjoy a quiet moment out on the roads while most people are at home safe and sound. I vividly remember one early Christmas morning in Ohio. It had snowed all night, and not a creature was stirring (not even a mouse). I sailed down country snow covered roads and felt like the only person on the planet. I took the opportunity to work on my Jimmy Stewart impersonation. My times have gotten better since then, but the impression is just as bad as ever!
I am still not getting in many miles, but the routine is starting to come back.I'm even suffering bouts of runner's guilt if I don't head out for some miles. Runner's guilt seems to strike after my breakfast has settled, or when I see someone else running. Now that the routine is feeling more comfortable, it's time to start planning ahead...
I'm thinking a spring half marathon to get me bumping up the miles during the winter doldrums, then a fall marathon. If all goes well (hold on to your hats) Boston in April 2011.
It seems silly to be thinking about a race in 2011 but, I am one of those people who needs the big event on the calendar. I need to pick a big race, train, and pick another big race. I truly admire those of you who can run everyday for the pure enjoyment of logging miles. I am genuinely jealous of you. My absolute favorite are the people who come out and race and have no idea what their PR is. They are totally in the moment. I'm always looking ahead (to the next big race) or behind (comparing times with the past). Even when I am out logging miles I'm thinking about the next race instead of just enjoying the run. Maybe one day I'll enjoy the everyday part of training, but until then I'll be looking at running through binoculars.
Keep it up!
Devin
Labels:
half marathon,
holiday,
marathon,
motivation,
planning,
routine
Monday, November 23, 2009
Turkey Trottin
Hello Runners!
At the Turkey Trot on Saturday I got beat by a young man in high school and a 46 year old. I love this sport! (Not the being beat part. I am not really fond of that.) This is everyone's sport. A life long sport. Sometimes I feel bad for athletes in team sports. Once your high school or college career is over, chances are you'll never get that thrill again. A runner can compete just about every weekend for the rest of their life if they want. I think I still have quite a few years of improvement left, but even after that I'll be able to go out and compete against all the other old men in my age group and more importantly myself. This is a sport where I can pay my entry fee and race the best in the world. Not many athletes can say that. We runners are pretty lucky.
It was a beautiful morning for the race. I was a volunteer last year and nearly got blown away. Full results can be found here. Congratulations to Colin Johnson for picking up the win in very lonely fashion. It can be tough to win a race off the front and still run a good time. Evidently Colin doesn't know that. Congrats to Team R3's own Kate Hover for winning the women's race. Kate bounced back from a poor race at the Clarksville Half and strep throat to run a pretty impressive race. Running a good such race after a terrible one can be pretty hard too. Evidently Kate didn't know that. Congratulations to everyone else who came out, and thanks for supporting the local running scene.
I was pretty happy with my race. My time wasn't very good for me, but that was to be expected. More importantly I was closer to where I need to be mentally. Plus, it was more fun going to a race and spending time with friends than running by myself.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Keep it up!
Devin
At the Turkey Trot on Saturday I got beat by a young man in high school and a 46 year old. I love this sport! (Not the being beat part. I am not really fond of that.) This is everyone's sport. A life long sport. Sometimes I feel bad for athletes in team sports. Once your high school or college career is over, chances are you'll never get that thrill again. A runner can compete just about every weekend for the rest of their life if they want. I think I still have quite a few years of improvement left, but even after that I'll be able to go out and compete against all the other old men in my age group and more importantly myself. This is a sport where I can pay my entry fee and race the best in the world. Not many athletes can say that. We runners are pretty lucky.
It was a beautiful morning for the race. I was a volunteer last year and nearly got blown away. Full results can be found here. Congratulations to Colin Johnson for picking up the win in very lonely fashion. It can be tough to win a race off the front and still run a good time. Evidently Colin doesn't know that. Congrats to Team R3's own Kate Hover for winning the women's race. Kate bounced back from a poor race at the Clarksville Half and strep throat to run a pretty impressive race. Running a good such race after a terrible one can be pretty hard too. Evidently Kate didn't know that. Congratulations to everyone else who came out, and thanks for supporting the local running scene.
I was pretty happy with my race. My time wasn't very good for me, but that was to be expected. More importantly I was closer to where I need to be mentally. Plus, it was more fun going to a race and spending time with friends than running by myself.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Keep it up!
Devin
Labels:
8k,
age,
colin johnson,
kate hover,
results,
sport,
thanksgiving,
Turkey Trot
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A big hill!
Hello runners!
A few of us headed to Camden TN this past Saturday to run the Pilot Knob 10k. Ouch... The course is an out and back and just happens to turn around at the highest point in our part of TN. It is a steep and brutal climb. It is the kind of hill that keeps going around corners, and every time you go around one you hope you are at the top. You aren't. Adding insult to injury is the fact that it is hard to come down too! Too steep to relax and stride back down. There are some more rolling hills on the way back to the finish line. It is a tough race.
I ran the Pilot Knob 10k in 2008 too (managed to win) so I knew what I was getting myself into. The thing is I was actually really looking forward to it. I like going to courses that you know are next to impossible to run fast on. Especially when I'm not in shape or low on motivation (like right now for example). You can just race and be happy with your effort. That's really what racing should be. Don't always get hung up on running a PR. Just be the best you can be here and now. Luckily if you stick to that strategy you will PR, I promise.
I decided I'd just go out with Chuck (who was just going to go out with the leaders). Shortly after the start there was three of us out front. Just after the mile mark I felt like I was working pretty hard and decided to conserve for the climb. Too little too late. Chuck and the other runner pulled away easily. My race plan had totally failed before the turn around. Two more racers past me on the ascent and I stayed in fifth the rest of the day. Chuck had a great day mentally, if not physically, and brought home the win. After the race he told me he just decided he was going to push it and win, instead of giving up and settling for second. That is a really good sign for Chuck, and a bad sign for the people racing him.
It is amazing how it can come down to something that simple. Just a decision to go. I've been in that position a lot. Sometimes I choose to go, sometimes I don't. I wish I knew the secret to making the right choice. Like the saying goes "If it were easy...".
Post race my leg felt pretty bad. I had to do some traveling on Sunday and Monday and didn't log any miles, so it remains to be seen if I've done any more damage. As I sit here typing it doesn't feel like it. I hope not. I have to choose to run tonight...
Keep it up!
Devin
A few of us headed to Camden TN this past Saturday to run the Pilot Knob 10k. Ouch... The course is an out and back and just happens to turn around at the highest point in our part of TN. It is a steep and brutal climb. It is the kind of hill that keeps going around corners, and every time you go around one you hope you are at the top. You aren't. Adding insult to injury is the fact that it is hard to come down too! Too steep to relax and stride back down. There are some more rolling hills on the way back to the finish line. It is a tough race.
I ran the Pilot Knob 10k in 2008 too (managed to win) so I knew what I was getting myself into. The thing is I was actually really looking forward to it. I like going to courses that you know are next to impossible to run fast on. Especially when I'm not in shape or low on motivation (like right now for example). You can just race and be happy with your effort. That's really what racing should be. Don't always get hung up on running a PR. Just be the best you can be here and now. Luckily if you stick to that strategy you will PR, I promise.
I decided I'd just go out with Chuck (who was just going to go out with the leaders). Shortly after the start there was three of us out front. Just after the mile mark I felt like I was working pretty hard and decided to conserve for the climb. Too little too late. Chuck and the other runner pulled away easily. My race plan had totally failed before the turn around. Two more racers past me on the ascent and I stayed in fifth the rest of the day. Chuck had a great day mentally, if not physically, and brought home the win. After the race he told me he just decided he was going to push it and win, instead of giving up and settling for second. That is a really good sign for Chuck, and a bad sign for the people racing him.
It is amazing how it can come down to something that simple. Just a decision to go. I've been in that position a lot. Sometimes I choose to go, sometimes I don't. I wish I knew the secret to making the right choice. Like the saying goes "If it were easy...".
Post race my leg felt pretty bad. I had to do some traveling on Sunday and Monday and didn't log any miles, so it remains to be seen if I've done any more damage. As I sit here typing it doesn't feel like it. I hope not. I have to choose to run tonight...
Keep it up!
Devin
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