Updated: Sun, 13 Jan 2013 10:37:03 GMT | By The Associated Press, thecanadianpress.com

Armstrong awaits 'candid' Oprah interview

FILE - This combination image made of file photos shows Lance Armstrong, left, on Oct. 7, 2012, and Oprah Winfrey, right, on March 9, 2012. Armstrong plans to admit to doping throughout his career during an upcoming interview with Oprah Winfrey, USA Today reported late Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. (AP Photos/File)

AUSTIN, Texas - Lance Armstrong says he is "ready to speak candidly" as he prepares to discuss doping allegations against him in his upcoming interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Armstrong was out for a morning run Sunday when he spoke briefly with The Associated Press. The man who once ruled cycling was wearing a red jersey with black shorts, sunglasses and a white hat pulled down low over his eyes.

He would not divulge what he will tell Winfrey in Monday's interview that is scheduled to air Thursday. He said from the side of the road: "I'm calm, I'm at ease and ready to speak candidly. I hope we'll talk for a couple of hours."

International TV crews are arriving in the hilly neighbourhood in West Austin.

A person with knowledge of the situation has told the AP that Armstrong will give a limited confession and apologize. It will be his first public response to a U.S. Anti-Doping Agency report accusing him of using banned drugs to win the Tour de France.

In the past, Armstrong has strongly denied doping.