Aparna Bhende
Coach
"I don't stop when I'm tired,
I stop when I'm done."
"
Meet Aparna, your Season 16 coach, based in the Bay Area, California. I live in San Jose with my husband and our two children, ages 15 and 18. Running and outdoor adventures are a big part of our family life.
Professionally, I work as a technologist in the semiconductor industry. I hold a Master’s degree in Computer Applications and an MBA in Marketing.
Outside of work, endurance sports are my passion. I’m a marathon runner and a Stanford-certified nutritionist, and I enjoy continuously learning about movement, nutrition, recovery, and mental resilience.
I love being outdoors and feel fortunate to live close to the mountains. Over the years, I’ve completed the SF Bay Area Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, hiked the Half Dome cables twice, and taken on high-altitude adventures around the world, including Everest Base Camp in July 2026 and Ruku Pichincha in Ecuador in July 2024 (over 18,000 feet). Hiking and mountaineering help me stay calm, strong, and focused.
Running has been a big part of my journey. I’ve completed several marathons, including the New York City Marathon, the Big Sur International Marathon (2026), and the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon in California.
I’ve been part of the RHWB community since Season 4 and became a coach because RHWB is about much more than running. It’s about community, consistency, and supporting one another. We always put health first, and I love helping runners discover they are capable of far more than they ever imagined.
When I’m not running, I enjoy hiking, yoga, swimming, dancing, gardening, and spending time in nature. I strongly believe in the saying, “You are what you eat,” and I focus on simple, practical nutrition—especially for busy runners and masters athletes.
I’m excited to get to know all of you and support you in achieving your goals. Let’s crush Season 16 together—one run, one habit, and one strong finish at a time! 💪
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