Diagnosed with Ventricular Tachycardia - as was Greg Welch

I wanted to share an email I sent to Ironman winner and triathlon legend, Greg Welch. We shared a common heart condition. He did reply to me, but I don't have permission from him to publish his response, but I will share the email I sent to him.

Greg,
I am new to the sport of triathlon, competing in my first "real" triathlon at Eagleman Half Ironman in 2006. I did a very small sprint tri a few years ago, but became "hooked" on triathon last year and have done five more since (including two more half-irons). My biggest news is that I won a lottery slot to Kona this year. Being a middle of the pack age-grouper, I'm extremely scared, excited and humbled all at the same time.
My reason for writing though, is because I too was diagnosed with Ventricular Tachycardia seven years ago at the age of 33. I just read in the latest edition of Inside Triathlon that you too experienced V-Tach, which was a factor in your retirement. I know however (and have seen you host many, many events) that you still remain a positive and well-known face and voice for the sport.
While living and training for one of my five marathons in Colorado, I first felt the systems of V-Tach on one of my long runs. You know the symptoms: pounding chest and head, dizziness, excessive sweating. They hit you so suddenly, and then they go away. It happened to me next in a half marathon race and then a couple other times afterward. I knew something was wrong. I first saw a very young doctor who asked me questions about my stress level, if I have panic attacks etc. I told him I had no issues there, but as a long distance athlete who was attune to how my body should feel, I told him I knew there was something wrong. Thank god he believed me and didn't just put me on medication for stress.
He gave me a Holter Monitor, which I wore for 24 hours. I was to follow my normal routine, including any exercise I had scheduled. I was doing a run on the treadmill and felt the symptoms while wearing the monitor. After the 24 hours, I returned the monitor and waited for the results. I remember it was a Friday evening around 7pm when the cardiologist himself called and his first question was, "Are you feeling OK" Well, yes, I replied, I am fine. Why?" He then tried to explain the best he could in layman's terms about my condition. I remember hearing him say things like, "electrical connection", "240 beats a minute", "right ventricle", "maybe genetic". I had no idea what he was talking about at the time, but I knew this was serious, there was something really wrong with my heart. But I felt fine right now, how bad could this be?
I don't have to tell you. I was told that I would have an ablation, where I remained awake the whole time. The procedure was the most unpleasant experience of my life. The only way the doctors could get me into V-Tach to find the place in my heart where the problem resided, was to pump me with an incredible amount of caffeine. They even had me put my hand in ice cold water. How primitive is that?
Well, I guess I was a lucky one; they fixed the problem and I have been fine since. There was a time about four years ago while living in Florida during a run that I thought I felt the symptoms again and immediately went to the cardiologist. He had me wear the Holter Monitor, but there was no indication of V-Tach at that time.
When I first diagnosed with V-Tach, the doctors told me that if I didn't have such a strong heart from running, I probably would have had a heart attack and died. They also told me that if the ablation didn't work, I would probably have to get a pace maker for the rest of my life. Jesus, there I was at 33 years old, hanging out in cardiac wards with really, really old people and talking with doctors about pacemakers. What a life changing experience that was.
This is why running (and now triathlon) is still such an important part of my life. Having a strong heart literally saved my life. I just wanted to share my story with you, as I know you understand and I have never met anyone else that experienced it. It will be a privilege to race at Kona, in the same place as legends such as you have competed and won. I really enjoyed watching the 25th ESPN Anniversary show that you hosted with Bob Babbitt, which featured your win at Kona. I will think of you throughout the race, but particularly on the run and through the "pit" where you really kicked ass. You are a legend and an inspiration, Greg.