“Never say never.” That’s the phrase that pulses through Pooja Varma’s story. Not as a slogan, but as a lived truth. For someone who once couldn’t imagine running at all—let alone running ultra-distances—her journey is one paved with resilience, realism, and an unshakeable belief in beginnings, no matter how many times life demands you start over.
From a Walk to a Run: The Unexpected Start
It didn’t begin with dreams of finish lines or medals. In 2015, Pooja laced up her shoes simply to walk. At the time, she weighed 80 kilograms and her only goal was to lose weight. “I started as a walker, then jogger, and finally a runner,” she says with quiet pride. What began as a physical transformation soon blossomed into something far deeper—a love for movement, for discipline, for herself.
Running, in its rawest form, became her therapy. It gave her structure, purpose, and a new lens to view her capabilities. As the kilos dropped, her confidence rose, and a new identity took root: that of a runner.
A Week in Her Shoes
Pooja's training week is a well-balanced blend of effort and rest. Two days are dedicated to strength training—an essential companion to endurance work. Five days are for running, with the sacred long run saved for the weekend. And then, there’s one much-needed rest day, where her body gets to breathe, rebuild, and ready itself to go again.
This isn’t a regimen powered by pressure. It’s fueled by rhythm, patience, and the joy of showing up for oneself. Because even when motivation dips—as it inevitably does—Pooja finds a way to lace up. “I don’t have dreams,” she says honestly. “I believe in realistic goals.”
The Crash That Didn’t Break Her
But life, as it often does, threw a curveball. Just three months ago, Pooja was in a near-fatal accident. The kind that could unwrite months—years—of training. Suddenly, running wasn’t about pace or progress anymore. It was about patience.
The hardest challenge she’s ever faced wasn’t a marathon or an ultra—it was the forced stillness. “Now I’m counting days to start all over again as a beginner,” she admits. But she says it not with despair, but determination. To her, starting over is still progress. And her eyes are already set on one thing: that first comeback run.
“Believe in Your Goals… Dreams Can Wait”
Pooja’s mindset is rare in a world obsessed with grand visions. Her philosophy is grounded and freeing: conquer one goal, then move to the next. There’s no rush to arrive, no panic in pausing. It’s all about the journey—and being honest with your body as it evolves.
What keeps her going isn’t medals or personal records. It’s the simple, profound joy of running. And it’s knowing that if she could become a runner—after years of never imagining it—then anyone can.
The Calf Sleeves That Changed Her Stride
Somewhere along the way, running brought its own set of physical hurdles. Calf cramps plagued her regularly. At events, she noticed other runners sporting calf sleeves, and curiosity led her to try the Sorgen ones. That small step made a big impact.
“The Sorgen calf sleeves really worked for me,” she shares. “I’ve never looked back since then.” They became part of her routine—not as a gimmick, but as a quiet, consistent support in her journey. Just like Pooja herself.
Advice for Beginners: Go Slow, Go Strong
When asked what she’d say to someone just starting out, her answer is thoughtful and sincere: “Take one step at a time… don’t rush into bigger goals… understand your body first.” It’s not just advice—it’s her own blueprint. A path of persistence over perfection.
The Ultra Runner Who Never Dreamed of Running
If Pooja’s life were a movie, it would be called Never Say Never. Because everything about her story defies expectations—not with defiance, but with grace. She didn’t plan to be a runner, certainly not an ultra-runner. But here she is. And even now, paused by recovery, she’s still moving—in mindset, in resolve, in heart.
Follow her journey back to the road: @pooja2305
About Sorgen Spotlight
Each week 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.
