Ashley West knows what it feels like to be a mom of young kids struggling to find the time, money and motivation to exercise.

Two years ago, the Rochester Hills mom was 25 years old and weighed 200 pounds. She had just given birth to her second daughter and had recently moved to Rochester Hills. She was, as she remembers it, "miserable."

As a newbie in town, West remembers hearing about the Brooksie Way, the popular half-marathon and 5K through Rochester and Rochester Hills every fall. Right then, she decided to buy a jogging stroller and walk her way to fitness.

"Little by little with my kids in tow, walking turned to running," West said.

She ended up losing 75 pounds while jogging with her girls and her double BOB stroller around Rochester and Rochester Hills. She completed the 5K in 2010 and again in 2011.

Helping others

Last year, West came up with the idea to get others in on her fitness fun. And that's how the stroller training program for the Brooksie Way formed.

"I know what it feels like to not be able to find babysitters, not wanting to pay big bucks for expensive gym memberships that never get used, wanting to meet other people, and also what it feels like to accomplish a goal," West said. 

West, who just gave birth to a son, Simon, will be leading the training and is looking for 12 participants. The training program will start July 10 and will be held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at a to-be-determined location in Rochester.

To become involved, perspective stroller moms (or dads) will need a jogging stroller or a double jogging stroller with a front wheel in a fixed position (or the ability to fix the front wheel). Children have to be 6 months old at the start of the program to ride along. Participants will train to walk or run the 5K.

The cost for the training program is $100 and includes 5K race registration, t-shirts for the parent and kids, a discount at Runnin' Gear and more. The group is limited to 12 strollers. 

"My hope is that this program will build friendships and also that we can get people together to walk around town — especially since the town is under construction," West said. 

For more information contact Sue Barnes, barness@thebrooksieway.com or 248-860-5589. An entry form for the stroller training program is attached to this story.