Gold Medal Speed Skater Apolo Ohno Running In NYC Marathon For Special Olympics
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - Mark Messier isn't the only skater running in this year's New York City Marathon.
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Apolo Ohno has won eight Olympic medals as a short track skater, including three last year in Vancouver, but this Sunday, he's running the NYC marathon.
Ohno said he measures success in the marathon by the time he's shooting for.
"I'm trying to do around three and a half hours," Ohno said. "The training has been totally different, but it's been memorable. It's been fun. And I'm excited for Sunday."
He said training for the even has been "absolutely brutal."
"It's been mind-blowing, but it's been a growing process for me, mentally. So, I've enjoyed every step of the way," Ohno said. "I mean a lot of people on the streets have probably a lot more fun than I will be, but hopefully I can suck some of that energy and I can get some of that energy to continue on to finish."
Ohno is 29-years-old and is still considering skating in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, but this is a big deal for him.
"I've always wanted to run a marathon. Didn't know it was going to be this early in my career. And it was a challenge from Jared and Subway," he said.
Ohno is partnering with Subway to raise money for the Special Olympics and he can't wait.
"I'm excited. It's going to be amazing," said Ohno.
If someone asked you to run a marathon, what would be your response? Sound off in the comments section below!
