From Diagnosis to Ironman — My Story
My name is Andrew. In 2017 I was diagnosed with Autoimmune Encephalitis, and more recently with a specific form called Central Nervous System Vasculitis (CNSV). This blog started as a way to document that journey. It became something more.
In the winter of 2019, my neurologist told me my immunosuppressant wasn’t working the way it should. The decision was made to try a new treatment — one that would eliminate my B cells entirely. To prepare my body for that transition, my doctor gave me a simple but serious instruction: work out 6 to 7 days a week and eat a healthy diet.
As a previous marathon runner, I knew I didn’t want to run six days a week. Then one day, sitting at a stoplight, I saw a cyclist ride past with an Ironman logo on his jersey. I pulled out my phone and Googled ‘how long do you need to train for an easy triathlon.’ Twelve weeks was the most common answer. As luck would have it, there was a race twelve weeks out.
That was the beginning. My first race was a Super Sprint — 400m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run. I crossed the finish line and felt something I hadn’t expected: a deep sense of accomplishment. Not just from the race, but from everything that had gotten me there. I was hooked.
“In the bad there is always something good. You just have to look for it.”
Since that first race I’ve completed Sprint distance events, a relay with my wife, multiple half-iron distance races including Ironman 70.3 Dallas, and I’m building toward Ironman Jacksonville in 2027. Triathlon training gave me something my diagnosis tried to take away: time to be alone with my thoughts, process what was happening, and build something healthy out of it.
Most triathlons don’t allow headphones. That means 2 to 7 hours alone with your own mind. I train the same way — no headphones, no distractions. It’s where I’ve done some of my best thinking and most honest healing.
What This Site Is About
My Life With AE started as a health blog. It’s evolved into something that reflects where I am now: a competitive age-group triathlete based in Austin, Texas, who happens to also be managing a serious autoimmune condition.
I write about triathlon gear, race nutrition, training, and the products I actually use — because I’ve spent years figuring out what works and what doesn’t, and I’d rather you benefit from that than start from scratch. I have 10+ years of racing experience, I’ve competed in events from Super Sprint to Half-Iron distance, and I’m training toward my first full Ironman.
This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve personally used or researched thoroughly.
About AE
According to the Encephalitis Society, 78% of the general public worldwide do not know what encephalitis is. Autoimmune Encephalitis is a condition where the immune system attacks the brain. It can affect anyone, at any age, and its symptoms are often misdiagnosed for months or years.
I’m not a doctor or medical professional. I’m just a guy who has been dealing with a difficult disease and wants to raise awareness the best way he knows how — by doing something, and bringing people along for the ride.
Where to Start
New here? Start with these:
→7 Best Triathlon Wetsuits for Beginners (From Someone Who’s Actually Raced in Them)
→ What I Actually Eat During a Triathlon (My Race Nutrition Stack)
→ Best GPS Watches for Triathlon (Tested Over 10+ Years of Racing)
— Andrew | Austin, TX | Competitive triathlete, AE warrior, Ironman Jacksonville 2027