hard to click to next track on iphone- an ipod type acc.

I use my ipod shuffle for running. Great, easy to change tracks without looking.
But...I also wear my iphone 3G for safety (as I run at night) - so Im carrying two devices.
Recently my wife has needed to call me for a semi- emergency and I did not feel the vibration through my shorts!
So basically I am looking for a plug in device that I can change tracks (just like on a ipod) but run it through my phone.
Surely other runners/sports people get frustrated with this lack of feel. The fact that you have to get it out look at it, return it to its place just to change tracks/vol is crazy.
I dont want to wear an arm band strap or use ipod brand headphones with controls on the cable.
Any suggestions?
iphone 3g Windows 7