Based in Bellingham, Washington, professional triathlete Deborah “Debbie” Eckhouse has built her reputation on consistency and attention to detail. In her first season as a pro, she earned a podium finish at Ironman Canada and set the bike course record at Ironman 70.3 Peru. Her results reflect how she trains—steady, technical, and driven by small gains over time.

“I’ve tried a lot of saddles over the years, and JCOB is by far the most comfortable,” Debbie says. “It lets me stay aero, hold my position, and stay consistent on the bike.” She rides the Delta 38 and the Type 5 (previously the Fifty-Five), setups that give her the balance she needs for long, focused efforts.

Building Back and Moving Forward

The 2025 season has looked different from what she planned. Since Ironman Cozumel last November, Debbie has dealt with a stretch of medical issues that kept her from racing early in the year. “After a year of tests and specialists, there are still no clear answers,” she says. “But my power is coming back, and I finally feel like myself again.”

Her next big race is Ironman Arizona, but she hasn’t been sitting still. Over the summer she mixed in smaller local races and adventure challenges, from trail runs in the Enchantments to the Bellingham Ski to Sea race, where she posted the fastest female bike split and earned the “Top Gun” title. Most recently, she climbed from Paia to the Haleakalā Summit in Maui, finishing ninth overall among men and women combined.

Precision and Perspective

“Every race teaches me something new,” she says. “The past year has been humbling, but it gave me time to step back, rebuild, and remember why I love this sport. I’m excited to see what the next start line brings.”

Even during a slower season, Debbie stayed focused on progress. Whether she’s testing gear, refining her fit, or chasing climbs for fun, she brings the same patience and discipline that define her racing.

Looking Ahead

From record bike splits to quiet rebuilds, Debbie approaches every season with patience and purpose. She knows speed will return, but what matters most is showing up, doing the work, and finding momentum again. Ironman Arizona is next on the list, another step in a long path built on persistence and perspective.