A shoe guy with wheels

There are runners, race directors, elites and those that work in the running biz. This week’s blog is about a running shoe guy who not only works with shoes but puts a lot of miles on his own.

Tyler

Tyler Chacra is a 28-year-old shoe guy from Oakville, Ontario. Chacra is the national accounts manager for Hoka One One.  Married to his high school sweetheart, Lindsay, Tyler also has a 17-month-old son. The couple are awaiting another baby, due in August.

Tyler was not always a runner. He started working in the running shoe business but was not a runner himself. In the spring of 2009 he was working as the event specialist at RMP Athletic Locker, the former Canadian distributor for Brooks Running.

“As the event specialist, I was in charge of touring the province from race expo to race expo, managing the coordination of booth setup, tear down, merchandising and the overall sales at the event. Interacting with runners and then seeing them cross the finish line on race day inspired me to start running.”

Tyler didn’t just jog. Soon after lacing up he was running 10Ks, half-marathons and, in 2011, a marathon. His times started dropping rapidly and he now holds a PB of 2:34:32.

In 2013 Tyler was at the Boston marathon. His wife was standing at the site of where the bombs would go off later in the day. It was a day that will stick with him forever.

Tyler’s times
Full- 2:34.32
Half- 1:13.56
10K- 33.13
5K- 16.34

Tyler’s goal is to break 2:30 in the marathon before he hits 30.

How do you keep the passion for running when it is not only your job but something you do a lot of?

I love motivating others. Since that 2009 Ottawa Race Weekend I was inspired to start running. I owe the running community a lot for that and motivating me to transform my life and pursue my dreams. One step at a time I am doing my best to pay it forward by promoting active, healthy lifestyles and encouraging people that they have what it takes to change their life and achieve their goals.

Do you think the fact you run helps you in your job?

Absolutely. Running creates an environment for me where I do my best thinking. It enables me to prioritize my day while staying mentally focused on the tasks at hand. Running has provided me with the desire, drive and determination needed to succeed in my role as the key account manager for Hoka. I think being a runner also adds instant credibility when trying to promote and sell people on the idea of trying a new brand of shoes. Hoka is a fairly new brand to the running scene so being able to discuss my personal experiences with each model carries a lot of weight with the people I interact with on a day-to-day basis.

What is it that drives you to keep running faster?

I have this burning goal of running a sub-2:30 marathon before I’m 30. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that I am extremely goal-oriented and place a lot of pressure on myself to achieve those goals. I’m always seeking out the next challenge for myself and never settling for good enough. Not to mention I am a father now so setting a good example for my son is something that’s always on my mind.

I hope to get a run in with Tyler soon and hang on to his coat tails at the Yonge Street 10K in Toronto and, hopefully, the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October.

Run on, Tyler.

See you on the roads or in the blogosphere.

Do you have a running story to tell?
runningwriter@hotmnail.com

You can also find me on Twitter @NoelPaine or on my personal blog.