It was the day I realized we were were on a first-name basis with practically every duck and goose that lives along our local recreation path that I knew my toddler and I needed a new route for jogging. While we adore Green Lake’s 2.8-mile loop in North Seattle for its kid-friendly stops (one of the area’s best playgrounds and biggest sandboxes), we were joining the same baby jogger parade a bit too often for my taste. With longer spring days just around the corner and more than a touch of cabin fever, I set off in search of new vistas and playgrounds. Here’s what I look for in a jogging trail, as well as a few tips on how to start (and get in the habit of) jogging with a baby or toddler in tow. Trail suggestions follow. Whether you’re a walker or a jogger, it’s time to get outside and get moving!

Our trail wish list

For starters, I look for convenient (and preferably free) parking and restrooms, two must-haves for any parent out and about with a young one. My 2-year-old son also demands play space, whether a fully equipped playground or simply a wide open field for chasing a ball or playing tag with Mommy. Routes in more populated areas provide a sense of safety and security and therefore get my vote. And, though they’re not hard to find in our beautiful Northwest environment, I look for trails in scenic areas — basically, anything not right next to a congested highway. In our region, we are blessed with numerous trails that meet these criteria, all the more reason to get out exploring with your little one.

Getting started

If you were an exercise enthusiast before you had kids, jogging or walking with your baby is a great way to get back into the swing of things. Haven’t quite tackled jogging for two yet? No problem, it’s easy to get started. You’ll gain time for yourself, time with your kid(s) and set a great example by modeling exercise. You’ll boost your mood, shed those leftover pregnancy pounds, and get to know your neighborhood and other active moms. Plus, except for the cost of the jogging stroller (“jogger”), it’s free, and you don’t have to find the childcare that you would need if going to a gym.

If your jogging stroller hasn’t seen the light of day since last October (or ever), take it slow to start. (And if you’re new to regular exercise, be sure to discuss it with your doctor first.) Warm up with a 20-minute walk around your neighborhood a few times a week; this will also get your baby or toddler used to viewing the world from the stroller. Once you’re more comfortable, you can step it up, working up to 20-minute (or more) jogs three or four times a week, depending on your goal. For my son and me, it’s the psychological benefit of getting outside that keeps us going. There’s nothing that can break up the monotony of a long day or change a toddler’s cranky mood faster than the sight of a jet soaring overhead or a visit to a favorite playground. Think of it as mommy/baby therapy — and pen it (don’t pencil it!) into your calendar each week.

Tips and tricks

• Vary the timing of your play stop: On some days, hit the playground first; on others, visit after your run, and — if your route permits — take a breather in the middle to allow your child to stretch his or her legs, too.
  
  
• Encourage toddlers to point out objects and colors they see, anything from ducks to dogs, blue strollers to red cars.
  
  
• Do some interval training by going faster or slower between points on the trail: Sprint to the next telephone pole, then take it down a notch to the next one, and so on.
  
  
• Keep it varied. Walk some days, run some, take short runs, long runs, make a day of hill walking. Stop and do some sit-ups and lunges with your baby on a blanket beside you. Think of it as a custom workout — and you’re your own trainer.
  
  
• Keep a selection of jogger-only toys in your car and pull them out for your exercise sessions. Think magnetic drawing pads, toy cars, small stuffed animals, mini board books, and brightly colored infant toys that clip onto the stroller; there are even toy steering wheels that attach to some joggers, a surefire hit if your child is into vehicles as much as mine is!
  
  
• Keep the jogger and a pair of sneakers in the trunk of your car. You never know when you might pass a beautiful park or trail, just as your child is in need of a stroller nap or a change of scenery. Start easy, start slow and you’ll maintain this healthy habit for longer. Your child will not only endure it, but will look forward to this part of your day. And who knows? By the time preschool rolls around, that little one might be jogging right alongside you!

Stroller specifics

Your around-town stroller just isn’t going to cut it when it comes to logging some real miles. Enter the larger, sturdier jogging stroller. There are countless options on the market these days, ranging from basic to über-deluxe. For me, the most important must-haves were a swiveling front wheel that also locks (making for smoother handling), a generously sized basket under the seat for carrying toys and snacks, a water bottle holder and an ample sun visor. I also invested in a universal rain shield for those less-than-pleasant Seattle days; my son just thinks he’s riding in a “space bubble” — whatever works, right?

Check eBay and Craigslist for secondhand before buying new, if you wish (I also rely heavily on user reviews at Windsor Peak, the Web site for the popular Baby Bargains book). The retail and blog site Jogger Mom offers helpful insights from a jogging mom herself, as well as a wide selection of joggers and accessories. For the two of us, this all added up to an eBay purchase of a Mountain Buggy Urban, which we love and has seen hundreds of miles. Other favorites include Jeep, BabyTrend and Seattle-based BOB Revolution joggers.

Our favorite trails

Puyallup/Tacoma
Point Defiance, Tacoma: In Tacoma’s answer to Vancouver’s Stanley Park, joggers have access to a dizzying array of trails, both paved and unpaved, through stunning old-growth forest (blessedly shady on sunny summer days). Drive around first to get acquainted and clock mileages for your run. Toddler diversions include the top-notch zoo and aquarium, rocky Owen Beach, a playground, and an adorable duck pond with a toddler-size bridge and island in the middle (a hit with fans of Make Way for Ducklings).

Foothills Trail, Orting: Park in downtown Orting or at the McMillin trailhead, about 2.5 miles away (this makes a great out-and-back 5-miler). The paved, level recreation trail follows State Route 162, past elementary schools and playgrounds, ice cream shops and coffee shops. Stop in downtown Orting for a picnic and toddler time on the shady, colorful playground. Restrooms and parking are available.

Olympia/Lacey/Tumwater
Capitol Lake Parks, Olympia and Tumwater: Park at Heritage Park or Marathon Park and complete a loop of Capitol Lake. Combine this with a visit to Historical Park in Tumwater, just down Deschutes Way (there’s a shortcut to the park at the Capitol Lake Interpretive Center). Historical Park boasts a huge playground, riverfront picnic area, parking and restrooms. The trails are paved and level. After your jog, head over to Capitol Way for a bite to eat or a visit to the Hands On Children’s Museum.

Percival Landing boardwalk: Take a short but picturesque route along the Budd Bay wooden boardwalk (about .9 mile one way). Climb the viewing tower at Port Plaza, visit the Farmers Market and stop halfway to run around at the playground or on the wide expanse of lawn. Toddlers love to gawk at the boats, some gargantuan and some more modest, parked in the marina. Clean restrooms (complete with a changing table) and ample parking are available.

Pioneer Park: Beyond its expansive playground, this lovely park offers a .5-mile unimproved trail and 1.2 miles of mixed-surface trails for jogging or walking. There’s also access to the Deschutes River and a beach area, both nice areas for exploring with little ones.

Tolmie State Park: Take your pick of distances: 1.25-mile, .75-mile and .25-mile loops, all unpaved and best for sturdy jogging strollers during brisk walks or runs. Forest and water views abound. Stop at the beach to explore tidal pools and have a picnic. Park is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Michelle Richards Peters, a Seattle-based freelance editor/writer, is due in April with her second child and will be graduating to a double jogger this summer.

For a north Sound version of this story, click here.

Baby jogging groups

A surefire way to make jogging with baby a part of your routine is to join other likeminded moms who also need a motivational boost. Several organized groups exist for those who don’t want to go it alone:

Stroller Strides: This nationally recognized program offers certified instructors who specialize in post-natal fitness. Groups meet in Black Diamond and Covington. 

Baby Boot Camp: Similar to Stroller Strides, this program combines jogging/walking with strength training and cardiovascular drills. Classes are held in Olympia. 

See Mommy Run: Register free at the Web site and gain access to running groups in your area. An initial search found groups in Steilacoom, Lakewood and Olympia, among other cities.

Community centers: Many community centers offer mom/baby exercise groups.