Jogging to a New Beat

By Desa Philadelphia

EQUIPMENT RUNNING GEAR

Running enthusiasts are rigidly divided into two camps: those who jog with music and those who say the tunes distract them from the experience of connecting with their bodies and their surroundings. The decades-old argument was born with the advent of the Sony Walkman in 1979 and isn't likely to be resolved anytime soon. However, a few new products should add some pep to the steps of those who like melodies on the run--and they might even make some pro-music converts. --By Desa Philadelphia

TMX2 MP3 The futuristic name seems fitting for Timex's combo watch, stopwatch and MP3 player. The clip-on device is just 2 in. long, yet it can hold up to two hours of downloaded music.

Koss KSC7 These clip headphones from Koss fit the ear so snugly that runners can finally give up that gait-retarding activity known as putting-the-fallen-earpiece-back-in-the-ear.

S2 Walkman Sony's latest sports CD Walkman has the best skip protection on the market, one-hand controls, rechargeable batteries and a built-in MP3.

CD Carrier Tune Belt's Deluxe carrier weighs only 6 oz., which is helpful because it can also hold a CD player, keys and other personal items.