Misty Chandos

About Misty:

She and her husband, Chris, live in Cedar Lake and have two children: Autumn and Brooke.

Attended Purdue University Calumet.

Dental assistant at Heartland Dental in Griffith.

Accomplishments: Misty Chandos, an avid marathon runner, has joined Team Bear Naked. She was one of 100 athletes nationally chosen for her running achievements and leadership abilities. Chandos will train and compete wearing the sponsor's logo and promote the benefits of Bear Naked products to other endurance athletes. "As an amateur athlete, joining Team Bear Naked gives me the opportunity to pursue my sport and also educate new and seasoned athletes on the importance of proper training and nutrition," she said. "The team also provides apparel for my workouts and incentives for promoting products." Chandos started running seriously six years ago. Her accomplishments include qualifying for and competing in two Boston Marathons; running 12 other marathons and two ultra marathons. She plans on doing a 50-mile run next year. "That's my goal," she said. Chandos is a RRCA (Road Runner Club of America) running coach at Southlake YMCA in Crown Point and coaches for the Calumet Region

Striders. She is currently working with 42 runners training for the Fall Frolic at Purdue University Calumet. She also is one of 40 runners with Team Dirty Red Indiana. She ran the Detroit Marathon last week and will run as Team Bear Naked in the Tecumseh Marathon on Dec. 6 in Bloomington. She juggles running with being a full-time dental assistant and dedicated mom.

Personal hero: "My mom and dad for their strength and support. They're amazing people."

What I read: "Anything to do with running."

Advice: "It's the journey, not the destination."

How to get involved: For information on Calumet Region Striders, visit www.calstrider.org

People might be surprised to know: "I love making candles and incense."

- SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com