Some mornings, the city is still asleep, its hush broken only by rhythmic footfalls and the soft exhale of steady breath. On one of those early runs, Rohan Sitaram Kadu felt it — the moment when movement transforms into meaning. It wasn’t about the stopwatch or the finish line. It was about pushing his body forward so that his dreams wouldn’t fall behind.
A former badminton player, Rohan first took to running not for medals, but for momentum. He wanted to boost his fitness and agility on the court. But something happened between strides — the miles began shaping more than just his stamina. They shaped his mindset. “Running became a booster dose,” he says, “to bring me closer to my goal.”
From Racket to Road
For athletes like Rohan, movement is second nature. But the transition from shuttle smashes to sunrise runs wasn’t just physical — it was mental. Running offered solitude, structure, and a deeper sense of self-mastery. Slowly, his strides lengthened, his breath evened, and running became its own reward.
Today, it’s more than a hobby. It’s a commitment — one that begins with lacing up and ends with a stronger version of himself walking back through the door, where his children and family look up to him as a quiet, powerful example.
“My Family is My Fuel”
Like any passionate runner, Rohan has faced challenges — and injury has been the toughest. “Injury is the biggest challenge for a runner,” he says candidly. But rather than pushing through pain, he adapted. He shifted focus from pace to preservation, integrating more strength training into his routine, choosing patience over pride.
But what keeps him going — especially on those cold, sleepy mornings — is not the medal or the marathon. It’s something more personal.
“My family and my kids see me coming home after my workouts,” he shares. “They see me as a motivator. I train to keep that trust alive.”
“Believe It to Achieve It”
This isn’t just a line for Rohan — it’s how he lives. In 2023, he earned the coveted title of IRONMAN 140.6 in Barcelona, Spain — one of the most grueling endurance tests in the world. It's not just a race; it’s a rite of passage for athletes who refuse to quit.
But Rohan is far from done. His next mission? The Comrades Ultra Marathon in 2027 — a legendary 89-km run across South Africa’s rugged terrain. It’s less about proving something and more about evolving. “Instead of a dream,” he says, “I’d call it a goal.”
Words to Run By
For newcomers to the sport, Rohan’s advice is simple, but powerful:
“Stay focused in your training and enjoy the process.”
He knows that beginnings can be rough — the burning lungs, the heavy legs, the voice that says “stop.” But he also knows that consistency turns doubt into strength. With time, every step you once dreaded becomes a step toward something greater.
Training, Recovery & Colorful Companions
Rohan’s training is guided by balance — strength, discipline, and recovery all play vital roles. “I stopped chasing pace,” he says. “Now, I train smarter — not just harder.”
One of the tools in his recovery arsenal? Sorgen calf compression sleeves, in vibrant neon green and orange — colors that speak to his energy, his boldness, and his commitment to healing as fiercely as he trains.
“They stand out,” he says. “Just like every run should.”
The Movie Title of His Life?
If Rohan’s life were a movie, he’d call it:
“Believe it to Achieve”
Because for him, belief isn’t just an idea. It’s a starting line.
Follow his powerful journey on Instagram: @ironman_rohankadu
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.
