SSC invited to ‘Race to Resilience’ with the T-Minus 10-Miler in December Published Dec. 8, 2023 By Lisa Sodders, SSC/PA EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- At Space Systems Command, every day is a race day as Guardians and other SSC employees work towards the goal of space-based resilience by 2026. But the 2nd annual USSF T-Minus 10-Miler run provides a literal way for people to demonstrate their commitment. It’s an in-person 10-mile race that starts at 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 9 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. but SSC military, civilian and contractor personnel as well as industry partners, colleagues, friends and family also can participate virtually. The virtual race can be run any day in December, although registration for the virtual race closes Dec. 10. Virtual participants can run, walk or run/walk the full 10 miles anywhere they like – around their neighborhood, on a treadmill or any trail or course. Participants are encouraged to track their virtual event with a GPS-tracking app to confirm mileage and time. “The virtual option for Space Force T-Minus 10-Miler allows everyone to feel part of the race when circumstances to travel may otherwise hinder,” said Jill Huffman, Interim Race Director for Air Force Marathon and Space Force T-Minus 10-Miler. “It also enables friends, teammates to spend a few hours together getting exercise, stepping away from the office, and being part of something bigger than themselves,” Huffman said, adding that last year 2,200 people participated in person and virtually. Col. Shannon DaSilva, deputy director, operations for Assured Access to Space at SSC, said she started running track as a teenager and then continued as a way to keep in shape for military fitness tests. She took a break during two high-risk pregnancies and now, in her 40s, wants to get back to the run times she had in her 20s. She’ll be running the in-person race in Florida. “I’m very close to this goal and love events like the T-Minus 10-Miler to both hold me accountable to a disciplined schedule and to benefit from the energy of other runners at such a historical location during a beautiful time of the year to run in Florida,” DaSilva said. “I also take pride in running my new Service’s official race and would encourage other Guardians to do the same, even virtually.” For Lani Smith, deputy director of Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power (SDACP) at SSC, the race is a terrific opportunity to get in some advance training for the 2024 Los Angeles marathon – her 7th overall - as she continues to recover from two prior surgeries on one of her knees – as well as get some “cool Space Force swag.” She’ll be running the race virtually with friends outside of SSC in Santa Monica. And what swag! All registered participants will receive a downloadable race bib, access to the virtual goodie bag, an official race shirt, optional complimentary commemorative patch, and official finisher’s medal. Race packets will be mailed to participants beginning in January. “As I’m still recovering, and I’m getting older, I’m mostly a walker,” Smith said. “I’m not setting any speed records, but I still appreciate the exercise. My motivation? It’s my weight control plan.” Last year, Edgar Nava, Lt. Katelin Robinson and Capt. Jacklyn Sumayao from SSC Public Affairs opted to run the race virtually, choosing a route that took them from Redondo Beach to Hermosa Beach. “If you didn’t participate last year, whether virtually or in-person, I’d highly recommend it,” Nava said. “As they say in the Marines, adversity forges bonds. 10 miles are easier with friends.” To register for the virtual race, go to: https://runspaceforce.com/virtual-race/ There is an $80 fee to register.