The road was empty. It was 2 a.m., and Shyamal Mondal’s legs were aching from nearly 300 kilometers of relentless running. The world was asleep, but his inner voice was wide awake—echoing the laughter of schoolmates who once mocked his athletic dreams, the pain of a shattered knee, and the quiet fire that brought him here. He kept going. Step by step. Memory by memory. Not chasing distance—chasing redemption.
The Boy Who Was Laughed At
Shyamal didn’t grow up as a natural athlete. In school, he was the boy no one picked for sports, the one they laughed at when he tried. But in the ninth grade, he made a choice that changed everything: he joined Ashoka F.C., a local football club. “I wasn’t good,” he says. “But I wanted to be.” Just as the spark was catching, a serious knee injury in 2013 halted everything. Doctors told him he’d never play again.
That should have been the end. But it was the beginning.
Falling Into Running
What started as a simple attempt to stay active during recovery became something else entirely. Running didn’t require teams or approval. It was his alone. “I fell in love with it,” Shyamal says. With every step, he was rewriting the story others had written for him.
Soon, he was training not just to move—but to push. He was chasing something no one else could see: a belief in himself.
Training With Purpose
These days, Shyamal trains with the discipline of a coach—which he is. His weekly schedule includes strength and mobility twice a week, and running workouts three times a week—ranging from long runs to hill sprints and intervals. One day is reserved for recovery. Each session is purposeful, fine-tuned through years of experience and setbacks.
He’s learned that strength is not just in speed or endurance—it’s in showing up consistently. “Even a short run is a win,” he says. “Once I put on my gear, it mentally switches me into action mode. No excuses.”
The Ultra Mindset
Running an ultramarathon isn’t just a physical feat—it’s a test of spirit. For Shyamal, that test reached its peak during his 338-kilometer ultra. “There were moments I wanted to quit,” he recalls. “Fatigue, pain, sleep deprivation—it all hits you. But I reminded myself why I started.”
He credits mental resilience, disciplined training, and tools like compression sleeves for helping him stay on track. “Sorgen’s calf supports were a game-changer,” he says. “They reduced soreness, managed cramps, and gave me confidence to keep going during long hours on the road.”
“Never Give Up”—More Than a Motto
If Shyamal’s life had a title, it would be Never Give Up. It’s not just a catchphrase—it’s the core of his story. From the sidelines of school to injury rehab, and now running and coaching others, every chapter is about defiance, hope, and growth.
“Running changed my life,” he says. “It taught me patience, discipline, and the power of consistency. I started with zero confidence. If I can do this—anyone can.”
On Motivation and Small Wins
Motivation isn’t always a lightning bolt—it’s often found in the quiet choice to keep showing up. For Shyamal, it's remembering the boy who couldn't run. “That fire to prove myself—that’s what keeps me going,” he says. “I remind myself that even getting out there for ten minutes is progress.”
His journey is proof that greatness starts with humble, sometimes painful, beginnings—and that the process matters more than perfection.
Advice for Beginners
His advice is simple but powerful: “Start slow. Stay consistent. Don’t compare. Build a strong foundation with good form and recovery. Listen to your body—and enjoy the process.”
And yes, the gear matters too. “Sorgen compression sleeves helped me stay injury-free while increasing mileage. They’ve supported me in my toughest races.”
Eyes on the Horizon
Shyamal’s not slowing down. His dream is to go further—literally and figuratively. Multi-day ultras across the world. Tougher terrains. Bigger distances. “Every new challenge teaches me something. I want to keep growing, keep learning, and never stop evolving.”
Follow his miles and mindset: @trainwithshyamalmondal
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.
