It started with the sound of footsteps.
Abhishek Burma wasn’t running yet. He was just watching, standing near Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park, as a group of marathoners cut through the morning mist, each stride echoing something deeper — commitment, community, maybe even courage. And somewhere in that moment, a quiet wish sparked: “One day, I want to run like them… and I want my dad to be there cheering.”
He held on to that wish. And in 2020, it came true.
From the Sidelines to the Starting Line
Abhishek’s story didn’t begin on a track, or with a coach, or even with fancy gear. It began with curiosity. A curiosity so strong it turned into a goal. Watching those runners carve paths through Shivaji Park gave him more than inspiration — it gave him permission to dream.
He didn’t have a roadmap. Just a desire to chase something bigger than comfort. Slowly, he turned streets into training grounds. And that dream of seeing his dad in the crowd? He made it real. “That happened in 2020,” he says simply — but the weight of that line says everything.
“It’s Not a Sprint” — The Wisdom of Going Slow
Ask Abhishek what advice he’d give a new runner, and he doesn’t hesitate: “Go slow and build endurance. It’s not a sprint race.” That mindset doesn’t just reflect his pace — it reflects his philosophy.
Running isn’t a thing he does — it’s part of who he is. But it’s not everything. Abhishek is a self-proclaimed master of all sports, someone who thrives on learning, playing, moving in every form possible. “I love to play and learn different sports,” he shares — proof that joy multiplies when you don’t box it in.
That openness bleeds into his running routine too. His weekly training isn’t rigid. It’s a healthy mix: hill runs that humble, speed intervals that challenge, and strength training that builds resilience from the inside out.
The Setbacks That Shape You
Running may seem simple — one foot after another — but every runner knows the truth: pain often becomes the companion you never invited but eventually learn to understand.
For Abhishek, it came in many forms. Shin pain. Chafing. Injuries that can derail not just your schedule, but your spirit. But instead of giving up, he adapted. “Using products to overcome such injuries,” he says, almost offhandedly — as though problem-solving is just part of the path.
It’s that quiet grit that defines him. The kind that keeps showing up even on “I’d rather stay in bed” days. What keeps him lacing up? A simple trick: keep signing up for races. “Keep registering,” he laughs — because nothing motivates quite like a looming finish line.
A Long Run Dreamed in Kilometers
Runners dream in distances. And Abhishek’s dream? A 12-hour run. One that goes the full 100 kilometers.
It’s not just about the number, though. It’s about testing what the body can do — and what the mind dares to believe. That kind of run doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning. Patience. And a deep respect for recovery and rhythm.
It’s why you’ll find him training mindfully — and using support tools that keep him moving strong. Among his favorites? A reliable pair of green calf sleeves. “I saw a friend using them,” he says of his first brush with Sorgen compression. Since then, it’s been a staple — a small thing that makes a big difference.
And what’s next? “Get a black calf sleeve soon,” he grins. Because goals come in all sizes — even medium.
The Soul Behind the Strides
Beyond the kilometers, the medals, the muscle memory — Abhishek Burma is someone who leads with curiosity and consistency. Whether it’s a new sport or a new start, he believes in learning through doing. And more importantly, in showing up even when no one’s watching.
Because sometimes, the most powerful finish line is the one you cross with your heart full and your father in the crowd.
Follow his moves, marathons, and multi-sport joy: @roadrunnerburma
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.
