Erick White wasn’t always a long-distance runner. The 23-year-old Philadelphia native grew up playing soccer and running the 800 on his school’s track team, but after moving to Atlanta in August, he discovered his love (and talent) for running distance. This year, White won the StumpJump 15K, a fast, technical trail race on Lookout Mountain outside of Chattanooga, and placed fourth overall at the Georgia Marathon. It was White’s first time running a marathon, and the finish earned him the chance to compete in the Boston Marathon in the fall. The StumpJump win was just as surprising to White. “I hadn’t raced on trails in years, and then it was all singletrack so there’s no room to maneuver,” White says. “The terrain was so different than most races—rocky, trails that aren’t well defined. Honestly, I’m surprised I didn’t get lost.”
White, who races for Front Runners, Atlanta’s LGBT running club, is still getting used to running in the Southern heat. But he’s enjoying exploring Atlanta’s surprisingly robust trail scene. “Running is such a great way to relieve stress. It’s so meditative, and you can always find a good group of people to run with.”
We asked White to detail the gear he relies on during his runs. Here’s his minimalist take on running gear.
Mizuno Wave Rider 20 ($120)
I have to run in these. I have a light pronation, and these provide good stability. They’re lightweight, but really soft. And they make a waterproof version now.
Feeture Elite Merino ($16.99)
I like the slim, snug feel of these socks, and they don’t rub or chafe on my ankle. There’s no toe seam, and the Merino wool wicks pretty well.
Columbia Montrail Caldarado II ($120)
A featherweight 10.4 ounces, these nimble trail shoes are quick and responsive on technical terrain. Completely redesigned, the Caldarado II features an easy-fit, fully integrated tongue and a seamless toe cap. Built for speed on rugged trails, these shoes offer a fun, fast, fluid ride.
I’m always looking to cut weight, so I usually run without a shirt, and I prefer wearing split shirts. In the winter, I run warm and I can handle the cold pretty well. But if it’s really cold, I make sure I have tights on my legs to keep them warm. I like Under Armour No Breaks tights. These have built-in briefs, a key pocket and just enough compression in the fabric.
Showers Pass Crosspoint Hardshell Gloves ($95)
These are the gloves you want for winter adventure in the mountains. Waterproof, rugged, and durable, they can handle rip-roaring snowsports action or burly winter summits. Yet they are also flexible and maneuverable, providing outstanding dexterity. Most importantly, they keep digits toasty warm even on frigid nights in the backcountry.
AfterShokz Titanium Trekz Headphones ($130)
Lightweight and sweatproof, these wireless bluetooth headphones use bone conduction technology and an open-ear design to provide stereo sound and crystal clear communication while still allowing you to hear your surroundings safely.
Electric Knoxville XL-S ($120)
These lightweight, full-coverage frames are built for performance. Polarized polycarbonate lenses protect from UV and blue light, and the scratch-resistant, hydrophobic lens coatings hold up well on rugged backcountry outings.
The Marathon Stick ($31.95)
I always bring The Stick to roll out my legs before and after the run. I think it helps with recovery after a long run.
Gel Blocks ($2.79)
Obviously, food is important on longer runs. I like those Clif Gel Blocks. I can manage to keep a few of them in my shorts while I’m running. Sometimes I keep it simple with oranges and bananas too, for the electrolytes. Those Sport Beans do well too. They’re quick and easy and I can get them down without too much effort.
