Tyler Sickler
Men's Marathon
Qualifying Time: 2:16:57
Qualifying Race: 2023 Bakline's McKirdy Micro Marathon
Date of Birth
05/01/95
Age on Race Day
28
Current Residence
Folsom, CA
Hometown
Vacaville, CA
High School
Will C. Wood High School
Current Affiliation
SRA Elite & On Running
Profession
High School Biology Teacher & Coach, Bella Vista High School
Marathon PB
2:16:57
First Trials qualification
Yes
Number of attempts to qualify
2
College(s)
California State University, Sacramento
Career Highlights
3rd, 2023 Eugene Half Marathon (1:05:46); 9th, 2023 Mike Fanelli Track Classic; outside of qualifying for the Trials,
beating Ryan Salcido at the line at the 2017 NCCA Division I West Region Cross Country Championships
Family
I received a great deal of support from my parents, my brothers, my close friends and my coach. Together, they helped me through a very difficult time in my life and enabled me to put in the necessary work to qualify for the Trials. A special shoutout to my dad and one of my best friends, Ryan Salcido for being there at my qualifying race. It will live on to be one of the best days of my life and I'm glad they were both there to share that memory with me.
Greatest Accomplishment
I'd have to say that qualifying for this year's Trials is my biggest accomplishment. The journey to get here was profound and I endured much to be here.
Interesting Story
In December 2022, I had a life-altering event occur unexpectedly, causing me to quit my teaching job in Flagstaff, AZ and move back home in Northern California. The road to OTQ was a self-discovering journey where I sought out redemption for myself. I needed a challenge to validate my willpower. At the beginning of January 2023, I began training. My first attempt was five months later at the Grandma's Marathon, where I ran 2:18:23 (missing the qualifying time by 23 seconds). I trained for an additional four months and was able to run 2:16:57 at the McKirdy Micro Marathon. Through the support of my family, closest friends and therapist, I was able to emotionally heal and become more in touch with my true self. This past year has been quite the journey, but I feel better about who I am now having gone through it.
Favorite Book
What's Your Enneatype: An Essential Guide to the Enneagram by Liz Carver & Josh Green
Favorite Movie
Godzilla Minus 1
Favorite TV Show/Series
The Last Dance
Favorite Song
Memory Reboot by VØJ & Narvent
Favorite Post-race Indulgence
Breakfast burrito from Los Compadres (off Fair Oaks Blvd.) and an Iced Vanilla Latte from Temple Coffee Roasters
Favorite Breakfast
Scrambled Eggs, Hash browns, Bacon (crispy), Sourdough Toast and a fresh squeezed orange juice
Favorite Motivational Quote
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light". -Matthew 11:28-30
Favorite Running Memory
One of my fondest memories was running the Reno Tahoe Odyssey, which is a 172-mile relay around Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and Virginia City. I have close friends in Reno with whom I've done it in the past with and to this day, it brings me a lot of joy reminiscing about the 17-hour race I endured with these 11 dudes. The RTO was proof to me that racing can be adventurous and fun - especially if you have a good crew to endure it all with side-by-side!
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