Evidence Based
Cutting through the dense medical jargon to help you truly understand the disease, how it impacts you, and what to expect.
My Story: From Denial to Defiance
In 2015, at 31 years old, I sat in an Irish hospital bed and listened to a doctor tell me I had Bronchiectasis.
Because of my age, the doctors called it unusual. Because of the uncertainty, the exact cause remained a mystery, though strong indicators pointed to a perfect storm of acid reflux and heavy alcohol consumption. It was a lot to take in. So, honestly? I didn’t take it seriously. Even as doctors reconfirmed the diagnosis in the years that followed, I convinced myself it would just blow over.
Growing up, my body was my baseline. I was always active—playing team sports as a kid, and moving into cycling, running, surfing, and snowboarding as I got older. I wasn’t a pro athlete, but my fitness was uncompromised. I took for granted the natural, logical assumption that your body will always cooperate with your ambitions.
"Then reality caught up. The disease is real.
But the limits are negotiable."
In recent years, the denial faded, replaced by real concern. Part of it was becoming a parent. Part of it was the undeniable physical toll: the endless coughing, the draining fatigue, and the frustrating realization that things weren't getting better on their own. I realized I had a choice: let this condition dictate the boundaries of my life, or face it head-on to maximize the time, energy, and adventures I have left.
If you've just been diagnosed and you're trying to make sense of what your life looks like now — start here. If you're already training and you want data, community, and company — come into the Engine Room. Either way: you're not alone in this, and you found the right place.