Bianca Tarboton’s journey into trail running is a captivating story of passion, perseverance, and dedication. Originally from East London, Bianca’s trail running odyssey began during her college years (2016) in Cape Town, where she discovered her love for running amidst the scenic beauty of the mountains which she was introduced to by her partner’s friends at the end of that first year. What started as a personal pursuit quickly evolved into a professional career fueled by her innate talent and unwavering dedication.
Career Path From Amateur to Professional Trail Runner
Bianca commenced her trail running journey towards the end of 2016. By late 2017, she secured a sponsorship with Cape Storm South Africa, which she maintained until 2018, primarily participating in races with distances up to 21km. It was around this time that she engaged in coaching under James Montgomery from The Run Project, who guided her towards a more serious approach to running and the possibility of pursuing it professionally.
Transitioning from Cape Storm, Bianca networked with Salomon South Africa, leading to her sponsorship with them in 2019. Throughout 2020, she balanced her studies with running, facing limitations in training intensity, recovery prioritization and race preparation due to the demanding nature of her degree. Post-graduation, she opted for a gap year in 2021, intending to compete in European races, albeit disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, she focused on local races, achieving a significant milestone by breaking the Otter Trail record that year.
Bianca’s transition into a sponsored athlete was a natural progression driven by her love for the sport and her consistent performance. The remarkable local race results garnered attention, leading to an offer of sponsorship from Adidas TERREX by the end of 2021. Joining forces with TERREX marked the initiation of Bianca’s professional running career.
Bianca’s journey to becoming a sponsored athlete stemmed from her dedication to trail running rather than an initial goal. Her achievements in high performance, visibility within the trail running community, strong personal branding and networking with industry insiders were pivotal in securing sponsorships. The sponsorship process typically involved mutual proposals, negotiations and the establishment of formal contracts tailored to each brand’s specific requirements and duration preferences.
Challenges and Growth
Bianca faced predominantly mental challenges throughout her trail running journey. With her coach’s guidance and a conservative training approach, she remarkably avoided serious injuries over the past seven years, only requiring a maximum of one week off due to injury. However, mental hurdles emerged as prominent obstacles.
These challenges included grappling with self-doubt, particularly during phases where training and racing deviated from her expectations or desired outcomes. The depth and demands of the sport often left her feeling overwhelmed, questioning her abilities, and pondering the lengthy and arduous path to mastery. Moments of doubt and feeling out of depth were not uncommon, leading to bouts of frustration and impatience.
To combat these mental obstacles, Bianca dedicated significant effort to mental work. While acknowledging that full resolution of mental challenges may not be attainable, she emphasizes the importance of learning to manage and cope more effectively. In recent years, she sought support from both sports psychologists and personal counselors, ensuring a robust support system to navigate through challenging mental spaces. This proactive approach has been instrumental in her ability to persevere and thrive in the face of mental challenges.
Athletic Achievements And Memorable Moments
Bianca has encountered several memorable and challenging races throughout her trail running career. One standout event was the Trail Running World Championships in 2023, where she proudly represented South Africa as part of the national team. Wearing the South African kit and competing on behalf of her country filled her with immense pride and honor.
Additionally, Bianca participated in two Golden Trail Series races in Europe, which left a lasting impression on her. These races, being the pinnacle of trail running for marathon distance runners, provided her with the opportunity to compete against the world’s best athletes, offering a new and eye-opening experience.
However, amidst these memorable races, Bianca also faced significant challenges. One such instance was during her first Otter Trail race in 2019, where she suffered severe hypoglycemia just 1km from the finish line, requiring medical intervention before completing the race. Overcoming this traumatic experience required considerable resilience and determination.
Similarly, her debut at Sierre Zinal in 2022, racing for Team TERREX in Europe for the first time, proved to be mentally challenging. The pressure she placed on herself led to her decision to not finish the race (DNF), highlighting the mental toll that competitive racing can sometimes entail. Despite these challenges, Bianca’s journey in trail running reflects both the triumphs of representing her country and the resilience needed to navigate through difficult races.
With notable achievements such as breaking the Otter Trail record and placing impressively in international races like the Mont-Blanc Marathon (12th in 2023) and Sierre-Zinal (20th in 2023), Bianca’s talent caught the eye of prestigious brands like Adidas Terrex, Garmin South Africa and Maurten South Africa.
Mental And Physical Preparation For Trail Running
Physically, Bianca Tarboton places great trust in her coach and adheres diligently to the running plan and schedule set for her each day. Constant communication with her coach allows for adjustments based on her physical condition throughout the week, including addressing any minor injuries promptly. She incorporates two quality strength sessions per week under the guidance of her strength coach, along with additional recovery cycles as secondary sessions per day. These forms of cross-training contribute significantly to her overall fitness level.
Regular visits to her chiropractor are part of Bianca’s maintenance routine, ensuring proactive management of any potential issues. Emphasizing the importance of recovery, she prioritizes adequate sleep, aiming for 8-10 hours per night, and focuses on consuming substantial meals rich in protein and carbohydrates, particularly around training sessions. This commitment to recovery necessitates sacrifices, such as limiting participation in other activities and socializing, especially during the racing season, to optimize her training and rest.
On the mental front, Bianca actively engages with both a sports psychologist and a psychologist, recognizing the vital role they play in maintaining her mental resilience and strength. Beyond professional support, she also prioritizes activities that bring her happiness, such as socializing with friends and family and spending time in nature, including ocean activities. To maintain a healthy mental balance, she consciously limits her time spent on social media, especially during critical race periods, to minimize distractions and focus on her mental well-being and performance.
Sustainably Balancing Academic Pursuits With Trail Running
Outside of trail running, Bianca’s academic pursuits in chemical engineering with a focus on green energy reflect her commitment to sustainability. Balancing her studies with her athletic career demonstrates her ability to excel in multiple domains while staying true to her passions.
She’s had a passion for chemistry and mathematics during her school years. A pivotal moment came when she attended a talk on chemical engineering that discussed biomimicry in engineering, which resonated deeply with her and led her to pursue chemical engineering in her following academic year.
During her undergraduate studies, Bianca delved into green energy-related topics, particularly focusing on biomimicry and sustainable practices. This experience solidified her desire to contribute to the green energy field in her career. However, upon signing with Adidas TERREX in 2022 and dedicating her time solely to running, Bianca realized that she missed the mental stimulation and challenge of academic studies.
In 2022, Bianca seized the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree with a green energy project called the GreenQUEST project. This decision allowed her to balance her academic pursuits with her trail running career more effectively, thanks to the flexibility of her Master’s program compared to her rigorous undergraduate degree.
Her life philosophy revolves around sustainability, whether it’s in the context of environmental conservation or the longevity and sustainability of her running career. This holistic approach reflects Bianca’s commitment to making meaningful contributions to both the scientific and athletic communities while staying true to her values.
How Sponsorships Have Impacted Trail Running Journey
Bianca Tarboton acknowledges the profound impact that her sponsorships with Adidas Terrex, Garmin South Africa, and Maurten South Africa have had on her trail running career. The support from these sponsors has been instrumental in her ability to compete at the highest level and to pursue training and racing opportunities, particularly in Europe where the trail running scene is most competitive.
Adidas Terrex’s support has been foundational to Bianca’s professional journey, providing the financial means and support network necessary for her to train and race effectively. Being part of the Adidas Terrex team has not only offered financial support but has also connected Bianca with a community of supportive athletes and friends who have played a significant role in her development.
Garmin South Africa’s sponsorship has provided Bianca with access to top-quality GPS watches, heart rate monitors, and indoor trainers, enhancing her training experience and allowing for more precise monitoring of her performance. This access to cutting-edge technology has been invaluable in optimizing her training regimen and overall progress.
Similarly, Maurten South Africa’s support has been crucial in ensuring Bianca’s proper fueling during both training and racing. Their scientifically backed fueling products have contributed to her performance and recovery, allowing her to adapt her body and stomach to optimal fueling strategies.
Overall, Bianca expresses deep gratitude for the support and assistance provided by her sponsors, highlighting how their contributions have played a pivotal role in her athletic career and achievements in trail running.
Fitness And Training Routine
Bianca Tarboton’s training routine is structured around an 8-day cycle, comprising 7 days of training followed by a rest day. Within this cycle, she incorporates two workouts, typically consisting of a speed session and a hill session, although the specifics vary based on upcoming race demands.
The remaining training days include easy runs lasting between 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, along with one long run, which can vary from 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes depending on the season. On days with workout sessions or when she feels energetic for a double session, Bianca engages in an easy 1 to 1.5-hour cycling session in the evening as active recovery. Additionally, she incorporates two strength sessions per week with a personal trainer as secondary sessions on two of the training days.
Nutrition As A Trail Runner
In terms of nutrition, Bianca adopts a straightforward approach without following a specific diet. Her primary nutrition goals focus on consuming a well-rounded diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, prioritizing high carbohydrate and high protein meals, and emphasizing high-quality food choices. She typically has three substantial meals per day and snacks based on hunger cues, maintaining an intuitive approach to eating.
However, she ensures to eat something before any training, such as oats, muesli, or bread with peanut butter, and prioritizes high carbohydrate and protein intake immediately after exercise, especially during workout sessions.
Regarding recovery, Bianca’s strategy is uncomplicated yet effective. She places emphasis on ample food consumption, sufficient sleep with a consistent bedtime routine, and reducing non-training activities, especially during periods of high training volume and intensity, such as around the trail running racing season. Additionally, she incorporates a daily 10-minute movement practice before any exercise to ensure her body remains activated and mobile.
This balanced approach to training, nutrition, and recovery contributes to Bianca’s overall performance and well-being as a professional trail runner.
Staying Motivated And Handling Setbacks
Bianca maintains her motivation and focus during tough training periods or setbacks in trail running through a combination of strategies.
In the face of setbacks, she recalls her underlying motivation or “why” she runs and races. This reflection helps her reconnect with her purpose, what she aims to achieve, and the personal significance of those achievements. Bianca remains grounded in the present moment, actively monitoring her thoughts to prevent negative thinking patterns. She emphasizes focusing on the process rather than solely on outcomes, breaking down her journey into manageable steps and simplifying tasks as much as possible.
During periods of low motivation and high training demands, Bianca employs a pragmatic approach. She encourages herself to initiate the session, run, or training, reminding herself that she can adjust the intensity or duration as needed. This mindset shift from daunting tasks to manageable steps helps her overcome the initial hurdle of getting started, recognizing that taking the first step often leads to momentum.
Overall, Bianca’s strategies involve maintaining a clear understanding of her goals and motivations, staying present, simplifying tasks, and adopting a practical approach to tackle challenges, all of which contribute to her ability to stay motivated and focused in trail running.
Lessons Learned From Setbacks
Reflecting on Nelson Mandela’s quote, “I never lose. I either win or learn,” Bianca Tarboton shares profound lessons learned throughout her journey in trail running:
- Importance of Support: Bianca emphasizes the critical role of a supportive network. While trail running may seem individual, the backing of a supportive community is invaluable. She acknowledges that her achievements are a result of the collective support she receives.
- Trust in the Process: Bianca underscores the significance of trusting the process. This involves having faith in her coach, training regimen, and overall approach. By focusing on the process rather than fixating on outcomes, Bianca allows success to naturally unfold.
- Curiosity as a Guide: Bianca advocates for maintaining curiosity. This quality serves as a guiding force, encouraging continuous learning and exploration within the sport and beyond.
- Avoiding Comparison: Bianca recognizes that comparison is the thief of joy. She advises against comparing oneself to others, as it often leads to unfair and unproductive comparisons. Instead, she encourages focusing on personal growth and progress without the distractions of comparison.
These lessons encapsulate Bianca’s mindset and approach, highlighting the values of support, trust, curiosity, and self-focus in her trail running journey.
Future Goals and Inspirational Insights
Bianca’s goals in trail running encompass both short-term and long-term aspirations. In the short term, she aims to achieve top 5 or 10 placements in the Golden Trail Series within the next few years. Looking ahead, her long-term goal involves contending for victories in prestigious trail races globally, such as UTMB and the Golden Trail Series.
Excitement brews for Bianca as she anticipates participating in the Golden Trail Series in Europe, showcasing her passion and dedication to competitive trail running.
Regarding the future, Bianca envisions maintaining a balanced lifestyle that combines her athletic career in trail running with her academic and professional pursuits. She plans to continue prioritizing her running while engaging in part-time work related to Green Energy. Upon completing her Master’s degree, she envisions potential freelance opportunities in the Green Energy sector, allowing her the flexibility to train and compete while contributing to her professional development. This balanced approach aligns with her desire for freedom and autonomy in managing both her athletic and professional endeavors.
Community Engagement and Environmental Awareness
Bianca shares insights into incorporating eco-friendly practices into trail running and advocating for environmental conservation:
- Limiting Travel: Bianca minimizes her carbon footprint by strategically planning her racing year to reduce air travel. When in Europe for the racing season, she utilizes public transport and minimizes travel between races.
- Trail Running’s Role in Conservation: Bianca believes that trail running plays a vital role in promoting environmental conservation. It fosters a deep connection to nature, leading to a heightened appreciation and active participation in conservation efforts. Trail running events and groups often raise awareness about environmental issues and advocate for protecting natural areas.
- Practical Contributions:
- Reduce Waste: Bianca encourages readers to minimize waste, especially while on the trails, by adopting a “leave no trace” approach.
- Support Conservation: Supporting organizations and groups dedicated to conservation is another impactful way to contribute.
- Minimize Environmental Impact: Bianca suggests minimizing environmental impact during travel and choosing sustainable gear whenever possible. This includes reducing single-use plastics and opting for eco-friendly alternatives.
By implementing these practices, trail runners can contribute significantly to a healthier planet and inspire others to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
Inspirations For Trail Running and Sustainability As A Trail Runner
- Training Programs and Resources: Follow Steve Magness on Instagram for valuable insights and tips on improving trail running skills.
- Organizations and Initiatives: Follow Athlete Climate Academy on Instagram for updates and information on environmental initiatives in the sports world.
Follow Bianca’s Trail Running Journey
There will be exciting updates from Bianca in the near future. She will be heading to Europe in mid-May to compete in three Golden Trail races (Zegama, Mont Blanc Marathon, and Sierre Zinal) throughout the South African winter. Bianca will share insights into her training, racing experiences, and updates on her time in Europe. Additionally, her Master’s program is nearing completion by the end of the year, promising exciting updates on academic milestones and projects.
Follow Bianca on Instagram at @biancat12 for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and engaging content related to her trail running adventures and academic pursuits. Stay connected and be part of her inspiring journey!
0 Comments