In Focus: Gilbert Has A Team Title Mentality
September 28, 2016 | Cross Country, General
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
Colby Gilbert has a plan.
Now in his third year at Washington, the junior standout has experienced enough to understand how to maintain his body throughout both the track and cross country seasons.
So, with that in mind, Gilbert has been methodical in his training.
"Honestly, this last summer has been the most consistent slow build of training I've ever had," he said. "From the plan (coach Greg) Metcalf and I set up, I ran every single mile, nothing was different than what we planned.
For as long as Gilbert has been on campus, he has been adamant about having a road map in place to guide his Division I journey.
In fact, during his first week with the Huskies, Gilbert approached Metcalf and said, "Coach, I want to make the World Junior Championships team. I want to run and represent the United States in Eugene, Ore. this summer."
Metcalf and Gilbert worked out a blueprint, and Gilbert earned the opportunity to compete.
"We planned everything to go do that and he goes out and accomplishes that," Metcalf said.
However, as Gilbert's career progressed his plans, as they often do, changed.
"Last year, I had a bigger injury in the fall and throughout the spring I had a couple of minor ones, I took a little bit of time off," he said. "I just had this mentality of taking things really slow, really progressive and never really pushing anything. I just focused on getting it done, rather than pushing super hard."
This started the slow build that helped launch his career forward. He was only able to race three times in cross country last season, but that didn't stop him from becoming an All-American after an 32nd-place finish at the NCAA championships.
"I knew I was capable of performances like that," he said.
But then he took it another step forward in the spring, becoming the Huskies' first Pac-12 champion in the 5,000 meters, setting a school record with one of the fastest times in meet history (13:35.20).
He also finished sixth in the 1,500 meters (3:40.99) – the fourth-fastest time in school history – helping the Huskies finish second in the meet, the top finish in the program's history, turning in one of the top single-day performances ever by a Washington runner.
"What he's done in a short time here is just incredible," Metcalf said. "What he did last year during the Pac-12 championships on one, singular day was probably as good a double as I've ever seen."
Gilbert has improved, because he learned how to be patient with himself. He understands his body and, well, he has a plan that allows him to start a race with a clear head.
"It's one of those where I don't really want to think about it on the day," he said. "I want to be able to plan. It doesn't need to be a perfect plan or know that it's going to work. I just need something I can trust in and believe in."
The plan is working.
"He is as talented a kid as we've ever had," Metcalf said.
Gilbert is on track to have the opportunity to compete for national championships before he ends his career. He has the kind of talent that could one day allow him to compete in the Olympics. During the games this summer, Metcalf would text his standout about the future.
"He's a guy that has a shot for 2020," the coach said.
But, while talented, Gilbert is focused on more than individual success. Talk to him about the prospect of national championships and he will talk only talk about the prospects of a team title.
"Our team goal is to win a national title," he said. "That's what I'm here to do."
Gilbert said pack running is going to be pivotal for the Huskies this season.
"Obviously, (a national title) requires me to do the best I can, but when it comes down to racing, my No. 1 goal is to help us as a group finish the best," he said. "Running as a pack is how we do that.
"I may lose a couple of spots than if I was just going out there to win, but I think I'm still capable of winning a lot of races."
For Gilbert, the team trumps any personal goals.
"I think I'm capable of contending for an individual title, too, but that's not the goal for me," he said. "That's a secondary thing.
"Our success, and a lot of my success, how we've gotten better is everybody is invested in everyone else."
Why is Gilbert so focused on Washington's success as a team? Well, he plans to one day run professionally and, when he gets to that point, individual success is the primary focus, so he wants to enjoy his time with his teammates.
"I really enjoy the team aspect, trying to help people out," he said. "I only get one, maybe two, more years of that. I'm not trying to waste it."
For Gilbert, seeing his teammates find success is as meaningful as individual accolades.
"It's frustrating sometimes when you're doing really well and you see one of your good friends – they're not just teammates, these are my best friends – having a hard time, because I want them to be successful," he said. "I want to help them any way I can."
And, while he builds toward team success, he will stick to his plan.
"Everyone is on the same page and it's really exciting, because everyone is working really hard together," he said. "It's not just about individual efforts, it's how do we do it together and for other people."
Players Mentioned
