A USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailor placed fifth among the 21,379 runners who crossed the finish line in the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) last month.

“This time I really just wanted to jump into it and just go for it,” said Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Corey Duquette, of Pensacola, Fla., who ran the 26.2 mile race through the nation’s capitol, crossing the Marine Corps War Memorial finish line with an impressive 2:27:34 time.

Duquette has placed in the top ten in all five marathons he has participated in, placing third in last year’s MCM.

“One of my biggest motivations is that I have two kids at home,” Duquette said. “My wife always wants me to give my best.”

“He not only ran well, but also conducted himself through courage and commitment,” said Navy Marathon and XC teams head coach, James Felty, “He ran a very smart race considering his limited training base.”

According to Duquette’s coach, his performance was amazing because he had been back on the training program for only seven weeks, averaging 80 miles per week, while also serving as a food service attendant on the Lincoln’s mess decks.

“I know for a fact that if I can do this, if I can train and get the job done, then I know I can accomplish anything,” said Duquette. “Mentally, I knew I could do it.”

Duquette says the key to athletic achievement is to take baby-steps, while taking a constructive approach to physical fitness, setting small goals, and making time for training.

“It’s not fun to be out of shape. If you’re young, you should start out on a healthy foot. You should really understand that you only have one body. I think it would be better for the crew, less medical, less sick-call.”