Tyler was born in Great Falls, Montana.  Like most, Tyler went to the gym to lose some weight.  Seeking motivation, he decided to do a 5k.  Thereafter, he gave the Tin Man Triathlon at Cal State a shot and was hooked.  After completing 12 short distance  triathlons, Tyler gave the half Ironman distance a shot completing the SOMA Triathlon in Tempe Arizona.  Tyler hopes complete every Ironman event at least once before he dies beginning with Ironman Louisville in August of 2009.