Before Parth Kotecha was chasing marathon personal bests, he was chasing the black line at the bottom of a pool. A national-level swimmer since childhood, Parth didn’t simply dip his toes into endurance sports — he dove in headfirst, and he’s been pushing past limits ever since.
These days, you’ll find him straddling two disciplines: the intense, solitary laps of swimming and the meditative grind of long-distance running, all in pursuit of his next big goal — completing a full Ironman. But beneath the drive, the metrics, and the medal-chasing lies something quieter and more enduring: the joy of testing the body, tuning the mind, and triumphing over injuries that could’ve benched him for good.
“Miles in My Muscle”: A Life in Motion
If Parth’s life were a movie, he says it would be called “Miles in My Muscle.” The title captures what so many miss about athletes like him — that endurance is not just in the lungs or legs, but etched deep into the body’s memory. Every mile logged, every early morning endured, every post-run recovery ritual is a part of who he is.
He started young — competitive swimming shaped not just his physique, but his discipline. But it was the world beyond the pool, the call of triathlons and marathons, that widened his horizon. Running didn’t replace swimming; it expanded it. And with the Ironman as his ultimate destination, each stride on the road is a stepping stone toward something bigger.
A Week of Sweat and Stillness
Training isn’t just something Parth does — it’s a rhythm that moves with him through life. His weekly routine is a mix of 3–4 sessions that blend intensity and intention. From intervals to long runs, every session serves a purpose. And with that purpose comes the need for recovery — something Parth has learned the hard way.
An ankle sprain once sidelined him after an intense interval block. But instead of pushing through pain, he learned to listen. Today, he incorporates regular stretching, cold baths, and massage-gun therapy to stay in tune with his body. “Injury-free running” isn’t just a hope — it’s a discipline, one that’s brought him a personal best in every Tata Mumbai Marathon edition he’s run.
“Why Do I Keep Going?”
Every runner has those mornings — when the bed is warm, the body aches, and the mind whispers, “Not today.” For Parth, motivation isn’t always about inspiration. It’s about habit, identity, and the quiet belief that each mile brings growth.
Being a triathlete has taught him to fall in love with effort. Even on off days, even when the goal feels distant, the act of showing up becomes its own reward. And sometimes, all it takes is a memory — of how far he’s come, or how close he is to that Ironman dream — to lace up and get moving.
Advice for Beginners? “Start Slow, Stay Curious.”
For those just starting out or nervously eyeing their first marathon, Parth’s advice is simple: don’t rush the journey. Learn your body. Learn from your body. Focus on form, recovery, and consistency more than speed or distance.
“Training is evolving,” he says. “You’re always learning.” Whether it’s understanding how nutrition affects your long runs, or realizing that one rest day can save you three weeks of injury, running is a teacher — and Parth is its lifelong student.
Sorgen by His Side
Recovery has become a non-negotiable part of Parth’s process — and that’s where Sorgen naturally fits in. He swears by the Sorgen calf sleeves during and after marathons. They help him bounce back faster, reduce pain, and keep him chasing that injury-free streak.
More recently, he’s been intrigued by Sorgen’s ankle-length socks with enhanced plantar surface support — a detail that shows just how attuned he is to gear that not only fits, but performs.
“The Goal is Not Just to Finish… but to Endure Well.”
For Parth, achievement is not only crossing the finish line — it’s about the quality of the journey. Every race is a checkpoint, but the real finish line is a version of himself he’s still running toward: stronger, smarter, more in sync with his body and its possibilities.
Follow his miles and mindset: @parth2711
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.
