Don't hit the pavement without checking out these tools of the running trade

By BUZZ M cCLAIN

Special to the Star-Telegram

If you're reading this at breakfast, chances are you missed the pistol shot that started the runners of today's Cowtown Ultra Marathon (31.068 miles); it kicked off at 7:30 a.m. in Sundance Square.

If you hustle, you can cheer on the contestants at the finish line -- the men's record is 3:37, so they should be crossing it at about 11 a.m. and beyond -- and meanwhile root for those who signed up for the regular-sized marathon, the half marathon, the 10K and the various 5K events for men, women and kids.

But be warned: Exposure to all those secondhand endorphins -- the feel-good brain chemical that distance running creates -- can be addictive.

If you feel the urge to get a "runner's high" of your own, we have some equipment to get you started (after you have that obligatory consultation with your doctor, who will probably be overjoyed). If you're already pounding the pavement, check out these products to help keep you inspired -- or push you to the next level.

Audio workout

Personal trainers are a nice luxury; it helps to have a workout partner on the trail or treadmill with you to set your pace and pick you up when you start hitting the wall. But they can be expensive. A more reasonable option is to take along New York fitness maven Becky Wenner's "Cardio-Interval Running Challenge" audio workout, one of a series of 15 30-minute MP3s you can download to your audio device. Wenner dictates the speed and rhythm as you canter along to her selection of what she calls "sweat-inspiring music."

Details: $9.99 at www.beckysfitnesscompany.com

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