You might've been up there: the crisp air, the great blue expansive horizon, the feel of the breeze and sun that baring down on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The flight deck is the most open place on the ship for a 5-kilometer run when out at sea.

Morale Welfare and Recreation hosted an underway 5K run, Feb. 3, in recognition of Valentine's Day, welcoming all hands to come out and run on the flight deck. Some Sailors ran for the enjoyment of it, others were in it more for the competition.

"The runs are always fun to have," said Hull Technician 3rd Class Madison Higginbotham, one of the supporting volunteers for the run. "It was great to have everyone out here."

During the run, Abraham Lincoln's Fit Boss, Shawn Ellison challenged everyone to a race as a form of motivation. While everyone ran the 5k, he rowed the same distance on the flight deck. Sailors who managed to finish before him were awarded gift cards.

There were a handful of winners, but overall first place winner was by Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Ringelstein, the assistant navigator aboard USS Abraham Lincoln.

"MWR did a fantastic job with the 5k," said Ringelstein. "It was good to see all ranks out here together and having fun running."

While some seek to win, others prefer to run just because they can, only looking for personal satisfaction from completing the run.

"The run was great with no weather, just cruising," said Hospital Corpsman Naphtali Odongo, who invoked the essence of Forrest Gump by dressing up as the character on the flight deck. "Run 'til there's no more left to run!"

No matter the reason, the 5k offered Sailors a chance to get together and run off any excess energy and spend time with peers, which is a good distraction from being away from loved ones while underway.

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For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/.