Sisters woman excels in triathlons

By Conrad Weiler

Paula Waite of Sisters has become a successful triathlete. photo by Conrad Weiler

Sprint triathlete Paula Waite took second place (out of 215 in her age group) at the Danskin womens' triathlon event held at Genessee Park in Seattle earlier this month.

The contest consisted of a half-mile swim, 12.5-mile bicycle race and a 3.1-mile run.

Some 3,758 women participated from ages 10 through 80. Not only did Waite finish second in her 50-54 age group but also 163rd out of the total field.

Danskin has been holding these events for the past 14 years.

Waite trains with her coach Rich Hummel at Sisters Athletic Club.

"She does everything I tell her," said Hummel. "Her workouts are harder than the actual competition."

Waite's first triathlon event was in 1999.

"Shape magazine advertised and held the event in which I did moderately well and thought that with a little more effort and a trainer I could improve my performance," she said. "A trainer is very important if you're going to take this seriously."

Her efforts seem to be paying off because Waite won her age class event at Hagg Lake in Portland in July.

"Your age doesn't matter in these events," said Waite. "Fat, thin, tall, short -- all types and ages of women can compete. It's a source of women's empowerment."

Besides her triathlon workouts, Waite enjoys backpacking, cross country skiing and other local sports.

She has lived in Sisters for eight years and is an Isabella's herbal comfort packs distributor.

Sprint triathlons started in the 1970s and seem to be growing in popularity each year since. Waite is looking forward to competing in future triathlon events around the country.