A Guardian&#039’s Marathon Journey is the face of defense.

Running is a fairly inexpensive hobby, according to the running community, which is frequently made fun of. To get up and move, all you need are some running shoes, a running path, and the willpower. &nbsp, ++

However, as soon as you get the racing bug, a cheap pastime can quickly become expensive. The physical cost of training is added on top of race registration, hotel and travel costs, and GPS wear. &nbsp, ++

First Lieutenant Ryan Kirk of Space Force 1 discovered that his lifelong goal of completing a marathon could be accomplished thanks to the Air Force Sports Department. In September of last year, he completed the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. &nbsp,

Kirk has a fairly large job in addition to simply placing the work on the pavement. &nbsp,

Kirk did n’t have to travel far to get to his duty station after being commissioned into the Space Force in 2021 from Colorado Springs ‘ Air Force Academy. At Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado, he is a part of Space Delta 9: Orbital Warfare. &nbsp,

Being one of the first classes to join the Space Force directly gave you the exceptional opportunity. Can you discuss that please? &nbsp,

The Air Force Academy has more satellites in orbit than the majority of nations, which is an intriguing fact. Although I’ve always been fascinated by space and cyber, USAFA really piqued my interest when I had the chance to work on spacecraft in undergrad. I crossed that off my list before I graduated because most college students only ever dream of doing that in their careers. &nbsp,

I’ve wanted to be a part of something important and significant, even though it sounds cliché. I also knew I could n’t pass up the chance to participate in something that was very close to its creation. The Space Force had just turned one and a half years old when I received my commission from USAFA in 2021. &nbsp,

What about space motivates you? &nbsp,

When our class first learned about the space shuttle in third grade, everything began. Everything was so fascinating to me! There are uncharted frontiers and limitless possibilities in space. I pleaded with my parents to provide me with every space book I could. Every day, new space technology is developed. What really motivates me is to participate in new discoveries. &nbsp,

What is your responsibility as the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program’s ( GSSAP ) mission planner? &nbsp,

Near-geosynchronous orbit GSSAP satellites support space surveillance activities. They gather situational space data, enabling more precise tracking and characterization of man-crazed objects in orbit. As a mission planner, my job is to design and carry out rendezvous and proximity operations so that spacecraft can circle an object, characterization for anomaly resolution, improved surveillance, and flight safety. &nbsp,

Discuss your experiences playing sports for the military. &nbsp,

Service members with exceptional athletic abilities can train, practice, and take part in the highest caliber of services and international competitions through the DAF Sports Program, which serves as the Air Force and Space Force’s official sports program and competition hub. &nbsp,

I was chosen to compete for DAF Sports at the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio, and the T-Minus Space Force 10-Miler in Cape Canaveral, Florida, after submitting an application. DAF Sports covered the cost of my travel and registration, in contrast to your typical race entry. Even a team racing singlet was given to me. I was able to meet some really great athletes and service members through the program, which also helped me reach my long-term goal of running a marathon. &nbsp,

What other major objectives do you have, both personally and professionally? &nbsp,

Running the Boston Marathon is one of my main objectives. I also have a high priority on my list: finishing an Ironman. Additionally, I want to fulfill the potential that my loved ones and friends know I have. Even though they do n’t understand what I’m talking about, they have been incredibly helpful throughout my USAFA/Space Force journey. Professionally, I’d like to participate in a mission that travels to another planet at some point in my career. We still have a lot to learn, and I’m hoping to contribute to those learnings. I also intend to save a cat from the neighborhood shelter this year. &nbsp,

What other interests and hobbies do you have? &nbsp,

I adore dinosaurs in addition to space. I even enjoy eating dinosaur chicken nuggets and wear a dinosaur shirt. Other than that, I enjoy reading, running through Costco, swimming, coding, and being sarcastic. &nbsp,