After Subway spokesman Jared Fogle finished his first marathon last November, he challenged professional short track speed skater and eight-time Olympic medalist Apolo Ohno to follow in his footsteps. Ohno accepted the challenge and has been preparing for the 26.2-mile race with support from other Subway “Famous Fans,” such as Ryan Howard and Ndamukong Suh. Earlier this week, Ohno was joined by fellow Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, who spent the day training and eating with Ohno as he continues to prepare for the grueling race.
The two Olympians met up for a relaxed run and swim training session in New York City, where Ohno will compete in less than two months. Ohno said, “[Marathon training] is very different for me. I’m used to running in 40-second or 90-second bursts.” Currently he averages 40 to 50 miles per week and plans to complete three 20-mile runs before the big event. In Chicago on Sept. 11, he completed his first half marathon.
Phelps says he just feels too comfortable in the water to consider competing on land.
Ohno’s transition from short-distance speed skater to long-distance endurance runner has been fueled right from the start, thanks to Subway. He loads his subs with healthy protein, saying, “I’m a double-meat kinda guy.”
Be sure to check back to see video of what else Ohno is doing to prepare for the run of his life.