5 Things I’ve Learned: Skirt Sports’ Nicole DeBoom

July 15th, 2013 • BY

Skirt Sports founder Nicole DeBoom ran in grade school and high school, but swimming was her main focus. She qualified for the 1988 Olympic Swimming Trials in 100m breaststroke, and continued on to swim varsity while she attended Yale University.

After college, her intense drive and pure athleticism carried her to become a triathlete—turning pro in 1999—and collecting an impressive list of wins throughout her career, including top spot at Ironman Wisconsin in 2004, where she just happened to be wearing the prototype running skirt that would eventually launch a women’s athletic skirt revolution and DeBoom’s own company, Skirt Sports (founded in 2003).

When DeBoom became a mom at the age of 40, she was in no rush to push herself back to competing. But, now that daughter Wilder is a toddler, this entrepreneur’s competitive spirit is kicking back in—and she’s ready to get her “bad-ass” self back, with an eye on some shorter-distance triathlons this summer.

We caught up with DeBoom after the inaugural Skirt Sports Half Marathon, 5 Miler, and 5k, where over 600 women toed the line to race, run, and simply have fun in Louisville, Colo., to tap into her wisdom and learn about 5 lessons she’s learned along the way.

On competing

Never underestimate yourself or others. When you show up at a tri, especially your first, it’s intimidating. There are so many different shapes, sizes and body types. When it comes to others and their performance, you can’t control it, so don’t get hung up on it. Also, never give up. But don’t be dumb, either. When you’re racing, if you can keep moving you have an advantage. Just keep going forward because you never know what’s blowing up in front of you.

On being half of a power couple (her husband Tim is also a professional triathlete)

Well, the odds of a DeBoom on the podium are greater when you’re both racing! But, it’s very rare for both people to be on top at the same time—not just the podium, but in their careers. It can really add strain. Communication is critical. When you want something, say it. If you’re hurt, speak up. I think each person needs to have the spotlight at different times to survive. Otherwise, it’s too much. I think we would have blown up if we were both on top at the same time.

On running a business

Everything takes longer and costs more than you think it should. And don’t assume; if you assume, you’ll be wrong. You have to be flexible because something always goes wrong on “game day.” Embrace the challenge and evaluate when things go wrong. You also have to evolve with your business. As your business grows, you cannot expect to play the same role you did when you started or you will fail.  

On being a mom

Never say never and don’t pass judgment on other parents. I went from thinking, “I will never let me child eat fried food, to please eat this French fry!” My main lesson has been that you can function at about 90 percent ability on 50 percent less sleep. I don’t like it, but I can do it!

On inspiration

I’ve learned that when I put something out into the world, it comes back 100-fold. Seeing that positivity and inspiring others drives me.

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