The sun peeks over the quiet lanes of Navi Mumbai as Coach Haridasan Nair (Hari sir) glides past in a steady rhythm… His breathing is calm, his posture tall, his stride familiar—like a conversation between his feet and the pavement. In those early morning hours through Thane and Palm Beach, it’s not just about pace or distance. It’s about presence. It's about purpose. It's about people.
For Hari Sir, every run is an act of connection—first to self, then to the thousands he’s inspired.
From Army Tracks to Urban Roads
Running has always been part of Hari Sir's identity. Growing up with a father in the Army, discipline and movement came early. He joined the Indian Army in 1986, and what started as military drills quickly became a personal passion. Competing in middle-distance events, he discovered the joy of training, the rush of finish lines, and the quiet strength of solitude on the track.
Today, decades later, that passion runs stronger than ever. With over 500+ full marathons, 500+ half-marathons, more than 60 ultramarathons—including the grueling 161 km Border Run, the high-altitude Khardung La Challenge, the epic Mumbai-to-Mangalore run, and four back-to-back Comrades Marathons—Hari Sir hasn’t just outrun time—he’s mastered it, one relentless stride at a time.
A Life Anchored in Running
His weeks begin before the city wakes—early morning runs laced with intention. Some days are for tempo, others for recovery. Strength training and breathwork ground him. Sundays often mean pacing others, guiding new runners, or simply soaking in the joy of shared miles.
But it isn’t just his own journey that drives him. It’s the collective progress of a community. For over a decade, Haridasan has led Runtastics Dil Se, a running group based in Mumbai’s Thane and Palm Beach areas. His students range from working professionals to young kids, all of them learning to listen to their bodies, respect the sport, and grow stronger—together.
“Running Must Feed Your Soul”
That’s what he says. And he means it.
Running, for Hari Sir, is deeply spiritual. It’s where he resets, reflects, and recharges. He doesn’t chase PRs anymore. What fuels him now is witnessing transformation—when someone who once struggled to jog 500 meters crosses their first finish line with tears in their eyes.
He speaks often about patience. About how running teaches you to be gentle with yourself. About how it’s not the medal, but the man or woman you become on the way to it.
Every Coach Was Once a Beginner
He remembers the cramps. The days when recovery was tough. He knows how it feels to question yourself mid-race. That’s why his coaching style is rooted in empathy. He listens, he adapts, he shows up.
Whether he's planning a midnight marathon or helping someone shave five minutes off their 10K, Hari Sir leads with heart. His philosophy? "Progress over perfection. Consistency over intensity."
Milestones that Matter
From pacing major city marathons to founding new race formats, Hari Sir has seen the sport from every angle—runner, coach, race director, and mentor. But he never flaunts titles. He celebrates effort. He measures success in lives touched, not podiums reached.
His Not-So-Secret Weapon: Calf Sleeves
There’s one thing he never leaves home without: his Sorgen calf sleeves.
“They’ve become part of me,” he laughs. “The comfort, the support—I just feel incomplete without them.”
For someone who runs and coaches almost every day, recovery and muscle protection are non-negotiable. The sleeves offer that sweet balance between support and freedom, and for Hari Sir, they’re not just gear—they’re ritual.
Words to Run By
When asked what he tells beginners, his eyes light up.
“Don’t rush,” he says. “Learn to love the journey. The speed will come. First, fall in love with the rhythm.”
He encourages runners to train intelligently, listen to their bodies, and celebrate small wins. He’s seen too many burn out by chasing results instead of embracing the process.
The Spirit of Sorgen
To Hari Sir, Sorgen represents more than gear. It’s a philosophy—one of care, connection, and commitment. Just like his sleeves have supported his legs for years, the Sorgen community supports each other.
He doesn’t just run with it—he runs with it in spirit.
Follow his miles and smiles: @nharidasan
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.
