It started with FOMO. Gaurav Bhardwaj didn’t lace up his running shoes out of some grand fitness revelation or wellness epiphany. He signed up for the Dream Run in 2012 because all his office teammates did—and he didn’t want to be the odd one out. But somewhere between stretching half-heartedly at the start line and watching marathoners finish on the other side with medals, sweat, and glory in their stride, something clicked.
"How hard can it be?" he thought.
Thirteen years later, Gaurav is still running and waking up at 4 AM on weekends. Still chasing finish lines, but now, he is not only running for his own but inspiring others along the way through the Mumbai Road Runners community.
From Bragging Rights to Blood Pressure Control
Back then, he was like many of us: desk-bound, stressed out, living on corporate deadlines and not-so-great lifestyle choices. The weight crept up. So did the blood pressure. Doctors advised him to lose some kilos to stay out of trouble. So Gaurav started running to shed weight—but what he gained in return was far greater.
Over time, running not only helped him lose weight and bring his BP back to normal—it gave him a new rhythm to live by. A rhythm that starts with early alarms, long runs, and steady miles logged with intention.
“I was an overweight person with unhealthy habits. Running changed that.”
Now, five days a week, Gaurav mixes up his schedule with speed sessions, long runs, and two crucial strength-training days. He takes his rest days seriously. His approach is consistent, balanced, and built for the long haul. This isn’t a phase. It’s a lifestyle.
Why the Weekend Alarm Rings Before Sunrise
It’s not that Gaurav doesn’t love sleep—he just delays it. On weekends, he pushes through the temptation to snooze by making himself a deal: “Just get the run in. You can sleep more after.”
That trick works more often than not. And so, while the rest of the city sleeps in, Gaurav’s out putting in the miles, reminding himself that movement matters more than excuses.
Small Moments, Big Milestones
There’s no flashy moment where everything changed. No viral finish line photo or giant podium win. But Gaurav’s story is full of quiet, powerful shifts. Like watching his own fitness transform. Like knowing he can run distances he once thought were impossible. Like imagining, seriously, that he could run 75 kilometers when he turns 75.
That’s not a throwaway dream. That’s the plan.
Advice from Someone Who’s Been There
When asked what he’d say to someone just starting out, Gaurav keeps it simple: “Don’t chase timings. Just enjoy the run.”
There’s wisdom in that. For too many new runners, it becomes about the stats, the splits, the comparison. But for Gaurav, joy has always been the secret sauce. The joy of moving. Of breathing. Of doing something your past self wouldn’t have believed you could.
Sorgen in the Story
It was during a running event when Sorgen first entered Gaurav’s story. All the pacers were gifted a pair of compression socks. Gaurav, lucky enough to be one of them, tried them—and was instantly sold.
Since then, Sorgen’s calf sleeves have become part of his regular routine. Not just during the run, but afterward too. "Even post-run, when I take off my shoes, the sleeves stay on. It’s part of my recovery." There’s something about that added support—especially after pushing your body—that makes a difference.
It’s not a gimmick. It’s gear that works. And for a guy who’s logged over a decade of running miles, that’s saying something.
The Long Game
Gaurav calls himself a “full-time corporate majdoor with a sedentary lifestyle”—but don’t let that fool you. He’s not sitting still. Every run is a reminder that health is earned, not given. That goals evolve, but discipline holds steady.
What began as a one-time challenge has now become part of his identity. His long-term goal? Crystal clear: run 75 kilometers at 75. Not a dream—just the next milestone in sight.
Follow his journey—one early morning at a time: @crazy_runner_gb
About Sorgen Spotlight
We shine a light on runners who inspire us to lace up, learn, and live better. Stay tuned for more real stories, real sweat, and the science-backed gear that keeps our community moving.
