River Bank Run Runner: Joselyn Vaughn

The race of choice: 25k

Why she runs: "To get in shape after my last pregnancy; to prove to myself that I can do the long distances still and do support my sisters. They’re doing the 10k and are coming through some pretty significant health issues. Knowing they are running has helped me get through some of the touch training days. I ran the 10k last year with them and two of my nieces. It was so much fun to participate in an event with so many people. The River Bank Run is the race you have to do if you are a runner and live in West Michigan."

"My roommate and I ran the 25k when we were in college; we ran it much after than I will be able to this year, though I think she’s going to kick some butt."

The training program: "Whatever I can fit in with a long run on the weekend. I try to do 3-5 miles three times a week. It doesn’t always happen, but chasing three kids around all day has to count for something. I’m hoping I can do enough training to feel comfortable heading out for 15 miles. I try not to compare my pace now to what it was the last time I ran the 25k."

A runner since: "I ran pretty consistently in high school and college, but after that routine and structure disappeared, I ran more sporadically. In the last year I’ve become more consistent and feel like my fitness is improving."

Running tunes: "I don’t listen to music. I like to hear what is going on around me, I like to know where the other runners are, so I don’t cut someone off or bump into them. If I can hear their footsteps or breathing I have a better idea of my surroundings and who is coming up behind me."

Pre-race rituals: "When I was racing more I probably did. Now, I just show up and run."

When she's not running: Joselyn is a mom of three preschoolers who also writes romance novels in her spare time.