One of the joys of running is its simplicity. No muss, no fuss, just lace up your shoes and go.

But human nature being what it is, we can’t leave well enough alone. We seem to want to expand, add, or improve upon a good thing. So we invent the Accessory. And now we can bring along our sports drink, our tunes, a form of ID, and even our cell phone.

But what accessories do you really need? Which ones should you take with you on a run, and which do you need at home for after or between your runs? Here, then, is the Official List of Groovy Accessories:

HYDRATION BELTS. For long runs and most summer runs, hydration is a must. Luckily hydration belts and hand-held water bottles make it easy to bring your H2O with you. Fuel Belt, Nathan, and several other companies make great belts that have either several smaller bottles spaced around your waist or one or two full-sized bottles at your back. In general, the full-sized bottles are better for walkers and hikers, while the belts with several smaller bottles are great for runners. You truly will barely notice the belt, and they all adjust so you can get a nice, snug fit that doesn’t bounce. Full-sized hand-held bottles are also an option. Just decide if you’d rather carry something or wear something around your waist.

MUSIC CARRIERS. For those that want to put a little salsa in their step, there are lots of ways to bring music players on a run or walk. If you’re already wearing a hydration belt, you can simply use its small pocket that is just right for an iPod or MP3 player. There are also a variety of arm bands and fanny packs that will carry a tune. But if you’re a minimalist, you may not even need an extra pack. Some running apparel now comes “wired.” That is, the clothes have pockets with a small hole sewn in through which you thread the wire of the player. Skirt Sports Gym Girl running skirts are wired in this fashion, as is Sugoi’s Wired short-sleeved top.

WATCH, HEART RATE MONITOR, GPS. If you are an Info Junkie or a Tech Weenie (and I mean that in the nicest way possible), then these items are your Must List. Timex, Polar, and Garmin all make very groovy toys that can tell you how far, how fast, and how efficiently you just ran the loop around Valley Forge Park. For the runner who tends to push too hard all the time and overtrain himself into injury, a heart rate monitor can save the day. For the newbie, a watch or GPS can give excellent feedback to keep the motivation going. The danger is when we use the information to get down on ourselves or obsess or compare ourselves to others. Use wisely.

OTHER TOYS. Lots of fun accessories can be had for nearly every need. As longtime Groovy Readers know, I strongly encourage everyone to stretch, and the Stretch-Ez band can help you stretch properly. Should you choose not to stretch and find yourself with a sore hammie, you can give yourself a nice rubdown with The Stick. If you’re a multi-sport athlete, you might want to get stretch laces and/or lace locks for faster transitions. For fair-skinned runners, a hat or visor will be necessary. Most even come with sweatbands sewn inside, so they multi-task by keeping you shaded, cool, and sweat-free.

The bottom line, Groovy Ones? Be judicious in your accessory selection. Some will certainly contribute to a blissful, enlightening run. Just make sure you choose the right ones for you that will enhance your workout rather than make it a chore.