Sol secures victory in rain and thunder
Shire runner’s success in 1500m at Glasgow event
Thunderstorms were gripping the nation but Sol Sweeney was the one lighting up the Scotstoun track.
The Perthshire runner won the 1500m at the GAA Miler Meet to build on what has already been a productive season.
Sol, from Crieff, was thrilled to scoop the top prize but admits he was planning to go lower than his clocked time of 3:46.48 in Glasgow.
Conditions didn’t help but Sol said: “I was hoping to run a bit of a quicker time at the GAA Miler Meet but still can take positives from the run.
“The conditions took an unfortunate turn just before the race which didn’t help the cause.
“But I think even taking the conditions into account it still wasn’t a great run for me.
“The plan was always to get out hard and chase a fast time and the conditions obviously hampered the chances of that.
“But it didn’t change the way I was going to approach the race.
“Once the pacemaker dropped out I was battling into the wind and rain myself which made it challenging over the last few laps.
“It was nice to get a race in at home and credit to the organisers for putting on a good meet.”
The 19-year-old is reflecting on an impressive 2018 which included a win at the Loughborough International over 3000m.
More recently he posted a personal best time of 13:51.94 for the 5000m in Belgium.
“To go sub 14 minutes in Belgium over 5000m was a great moment for me this season,” Sol said.
“It was my first race after a disappointing British Championships at the end of June so I was determined to come back with a more representative performance of where I was at.
“I don’t currently receive any financial support and rely heavily on my parents to make it to these high quality meets.
“So I wanted to take the opportunity to run a personal best and to take a big chunk off is really pleasing.
“The race in Belgium definitely gave me a good boost and a lot of momentum heading into the next phase of the season.
“Training has been going well since then and, while the GAA Miler Meet didn’t go as planned, I feel like I am in a good position to run some more PBs.”
Edging closer to personal bests has been aided by a move to Glasgow University, where Sol recently completed his first year of studies.
He said: “It’s nice to have a break from university while the season is in full flow as it gives a good opportunity to focus on racing and recovery without the added pressures of course work.
“Training in general hasn’t changed much but just having that bit more time to focus on recovery is welcome.
“I have also been working with the physio, working on some weaknesses to ensure I don’t get injured as the end of the season approaches.
“Having said this, once the season of racing has finished it will be nice to get back into university as it gives a good structure to the week and something away from training to put your mind on.
“The University of Glasgow were helpful in enhancing my running over my first year there so I hope that will continue as mixing sporting and academic aims can sometimes throw up some challenges.
“But I am confident that the university will continue to work with me to overcome any issues.”
Sol is hoping to finish the season in style before his competitive schedule quietens down.
He concluded: “I am now entering the final month or so of the season which should be pretty hectic.
“I head to Belgium again this weekend to race over 1500m before taking on the Scottish Championships the following weekend.
“After this I am looking to get in a few more fast paced races to knock a bit more time off my 800m and 1500m.” Sol runs down the home straight at the GAA Miler Meet PICTURE: BOBBY GAVIN