A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Subway asking if I would be interested to interview Apolo Ohno. I didn’t have to think long about my answer… it was a definite YES! Myself along with five other bloggers, met with Apolo via phone conference to discuss his latest challenge: running the New York City Marathon THIS WEEKEND!
A little background on Apolo, he is an Olympic gold medalist in speed skating. He is the guy who had the massive quads and long hair held back with a head band. Yes, him! Apolo was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars and won! He is one busy guy.
Rumor has it that Jared (the Subway guy who ran his first marathon last year in NY) dared Apolo and other famous athletes to run the ING New York marathon. Up for any challenge, Apolo accepted!
Apolo has been running for years as a part of his training for speed skating. However, training for a marathon is a completely different ball game. Skating was fast explosive and all out. He had to learn to slow down and control his movements while running.
This is his first full marathon and he is super excited about it. He has a goal finish time around 3:30. Apolo shares his confidence that he has a strong mind and believes that he can do this. I am a firm believer in positive self-talk, and if one believes he can achieve it, they can. I am proud of Apolo and confident that he will rock his race!
Below are a few of the interview questions that were overheard earlier this week on my conference call with Apolo. These answers are not word for word, as I can only write so fast… and really enjoyed just listening to his enthusiasm.
Do you have a running mantra or phrase you use to push through the wall?
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 and left nothing on the table.
How do you stay motivated when you don’t feel like running?
This happens all the time. I give myself no choice. It’s not an option. I just get out there and do it. Once you start you feel so much better!
How has running effected your body?
I have actually lost weight while marathon training. My legs are ridiculous things, but they have gotten smaller with marathon training. I no longer look like a Tyrannosaurus Rex! My upper body has beefed up more and now my legs are 50% smaller than they used to be! I don’t have to have my jeans custom made anymore!
What is your goal for this race?
(Laughing in good fun) I want to beat Jared’s time and Mario Lopez! I am running on behalf of the Special Olympics and partnered with Subway. Subway has 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! My hope is to spread awareness and inclusion for all athletes in all sports.
What does your nutrition look like during training?
Marathon training has given me the opportunity to be less strict with my nutrition. I am able to eat more calories because of the crazy mileage I put in each week. 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. I am always learning and finding the right blend of carbs and protein with each meal to see how my body uses it as fuel during training.
What is your go to post-race treat?
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. I am a big fan of protein and love Subway subs.
What’s your favorite Subway 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.
What is your advice for for time marathoners?
Make sure you are persistent and plan ahead. If you can, get a good trainer/coach to serve your needs. 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. The biggest thing with marathon training is to not skip out on the big/long runs, they are the most important. I also learned the value of rest.
Who is your running inspiration?
I think anyone who runs a marathon and finishes an inspiration. I have big kudos for those who finish a marathon in less than 3 hours. I have only run 20 miles and knows that it is tough!
Other fun things I learned about Apolo:
He does NOT like to run on a treadmill. He knows that the race will be held outside and he has training running outside to help him with his experience.
His go to music to get him amped is house music. His favorite is Cascade.
My favorite quote I heard during the interview was, “Athletes train when noone is watching!” which gave me pause to rethink my own training and mantra.
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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 lucky 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 Friday, November 11.
kia says
Love Apolo! Depends on the workout – I love to load up on sweet potatoes and protein before… after I also like the chocolate milk (or a beer and a banana).
Monica Young says
I use protein shakes with banana and peanut butter. It gives me energy and I avoid eating junk after
Dawn says
Before a workout I usually feel excited and anxious at the same time. After my workout I feel accomplished, relieved, more level headed and calm. I love who exercising – especially running makes me feel before, during and after! Love it!
Barbara M says
Before my workout – oatmeal with walnuts and berries.
After – Triscuits and cheese.
barbara dot montyj at gmail dot com
Mami2jcn says
I fuel up with a banana and a bottle of water. Afterwards, more water and a yogurt.
Janice- The Fitness Cheerleader says
My favourite post run fuel is a container of cottage cheese and a banana.
Rebecca B. says
I normally run as soon as I get up, and if I eat my tummy doesn’t like it… if I eat anything it’s a few bites of toast with peanut butter.
After I work out it’s chocolate milk… yum!
Love the article… lots of great inspiration!
~K~ says
I fuel before working out with a peanut butter sandwich..and afterward with a bowl of cereal or oatmeal. runner_girl5k at yahoo dot com
Janice says
before – banana and/or cereal; after – lots of water. Not really hungry afterwards, just REALLY thirsty
Run The Line says
Thanks for the interview! I hope you dont mind but I have mentioned it on my blog
http://www.runtheline.com/2597/new-york-marathon-roundup
Amanda says
Before I try to eat a whole grain with lots of protein. After? Carbs and more protein!!!
I love his “athletes train when no one is looking”. That has been SO true for me in training for the half. I’m doing it alone, no one close to me really cares(w the exception of my hubby), they all think I’m crazy and miserable.
How exciting you got to talk to him! His enthusiasm sounds extremely motivating!
Sarina says
Pre-workout: apples, raw almonds, sometimes a peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole grain bread.
Post-workout: depending on the time of day, either a turkey sandwich (Subway preferably on omega 3 bread) or a veggie omelet!
p.s. I’m so envious you got to talk to Apolo! Love him!
Deb Anderson says
Protein bars and lots of water!
Nicolle B. says
hard boiled eggs & chocolate milk
Erica Best says
alot of water before and light snack after
Ladytink_534 says
A few fruits and veggies. Sometimes a smoothie
Mac says
I fuel up before a workout with a PB & J or oatmeal and after I usually like chocolate milk or a protein shake.
LLL with Leslie says
I make sure I have had my protein and I take my mp3 player with me to get me pumped. (my favorite is LMFAO “party rock anthem”)
Thanks!
livelovelaughwithleslieblog at gmail dot com
Kiley @ DailyVitaminF says
I fuel up with pb on whole wheat toast OR string cheese (after only).
Jessica says
Have to have my chocolate milk 🙂
Cheryl says
Depends on what I am going to do.. Usually its half a protein bar and an apple!!
Claire says
A banana + Pb is good without weighing me down
Suzanne says
Depends on the workout but I’m a big fan of bananas if I’m not doing anything too intense.
Anash says
I drink green smoothies!
not sure if my last comment went thru…hmmm
Thanks for this splendid giveaway
Bobbie says
I don’t usually eat before a run due to stomach issues, so after I am ready to eat!! Long runs are usually with buddies and we go grab whatever we are feeling that day 🙂
Marie Nichols says
I love subway subs. I ususally have something light to eat like a yogurt and a banana and then special k cereal with chocolate for afterwards. love it. 🙂
Toni Marie Caravello says
I fuel up on chocolate chip cookie dough raw. Yeehaw
reannenny at aol.com
Tracie Trump says
Lots of water and some bananas! tracietrump@yahoo.com
Dina Demarest (@dinade) says
I eat protein before a good workout!
Kristi says
I fuel up with lots of water before and during my workout and then fresh fruit after!
Angie Appoo says
As for subway meals, I love their Philly Cheesesteak, but before a run I fuel up with lots of water, and a healthy breakfast of fruit and cereal. After a run, I like to have a salad or soup, but I have to treat myself to a little dessert 🙂
Dahbou says
I drink a lot of water during and after any workout. And if I work out in the morning, I eat a nice, hot bowl of oatmeal. (Congrats on meeting Apolo Ohno! I’m a big fan!)