SUAR “does” Apolo, soul patch and all
He’s been famous for many things – 8 Olympic medals in speed skating, his sexy (or sordid) soul patch, those hunky thighs, and winning the 4th Season of Dancing with the Stars. One thing is for sure, Apolo Ohno is always up to something.

On DWTS in 2007
Apolo’s most recent athletic pursuit has been marathon training. Rumor has it that Jared from Subway, who ran his first marathon in New York last year in 5:13, challenged Apolo to run the New York City Marathon this year.

On the Olympic medal podium in 2004 – he was just a baby, only 22 years old
Apolo’s been running for years as part of his speed skating training, but did not actually train for a race until this year. He ran the Chicago Half marathon in September in a time of 1:40. His coach said that Apolo could have run faster (yeah, sure), but that this was a “training” run for New York and not meant to be a true race for time.

Apolo training at the track with Michael Phelps. “Hahahah! We both shave our legs!”
I was invited to interview Apolo via conference call yesterday about his upcoming race. This is not the order in which questions were asked and some of it is not verbatim (I can only write so fast), but you get the idea:
Everyone wants to know what your time goal is. What are you aiming for?
I want to beat Jared and Mario Lopez (laughs). Really, I’m hoping to do the race in 3 1/2 hours. I am sponsored by Subway and they have promised to donate $26,200 to the Special Olympics if I’m able to run under 4 hours. I’m ready to rock and roll!
Do you have a mantra you use when the going gets tough?
Yes, when I’m in pain and having doubts, I have to dig deeper. My mantra is “zero regrets,” something my dad taught me. I want to know that I gave all to my performance.
How has running changed your body?
I have actually lost weight while marathon training. My legs are ridiculous things, but they have gotten smaller with marathon training. They are 50% smaller than they used to be! I don’t have to have my jeans custom made anymore.
How is marathon training different than speed skating training?
They are nothing alike. With speed skating it is all sprinting and explosive. My coach really needed to work with me to slow down.
What do you eat before and during a race?
A good blend of carbs and proteins the night before (he finds brown rice pasta to be a good choice). The morning of the race I eat some oatmeal. During the race, I do liquid gels and try to stay hydrated.
How do you recover after a long run or race?
I love to drink low-fat chocolate milk. It’s the perfect blend of carbs and protein. A lot of times I’m not hungry after a long workout so it works for me.
What is your advice for first time marathoners?
Make sure you are consistent and plan ahead. If you can, get a good trainer/coach. Without my coach (Todd Rushworth) I would just run hard everyday. But it’s really important to know when to take it easy on the long runs. I also learned the value of rest.
How do you stay motivated when you don’t feel like running? (my favorite question)
This happens all the time. I give myself no choice. It’s not an option. I just get out there and do it.
You are working closely with Subway to run this marathon. What’s your favorite sub?
I’m a double meat guy. I go for a foot long double meat (turkey) on honey oat with all the veggies, banana peppers too and oil/vinegar. Sometimes I add in avocado.
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Do you want to be like Apolo and run to your nearest Subway for double meat on honey oat? Subway is giving away a $25 gift card to one reader.
To enter, just tell me how you fuel up before and after a tough workout. That’s it. A random winner will be chosen on Tuesday, November 8.
SUAR
Fine print: The Zocalo Group, on behalf of Subway provided me with a $25 Subway gift card as well as the gift card for the giveaway in exchange for my interview with Apolo Ohno. I paid nothing for the items.