Panthers are predators; they must run to eat. Many other animals must learn to run to escape from being eaten. But no others were 'Born to Run' like the Wildebeest.

The running resume of the wildebeest is impressive. The have a top speed of about 50 MPH. They undergo a massive and extensive migration across Africa each year where they travel about 1,800 miles in a matter of months in true XC fashion. Accompanied by about 300,000 zebras, 1.5 million wildebeest band together for this incredible journey across treacherous crocodile-filled rivers and hot dessert plains. This is one of the most amazing animal related events on the entire planet.

But the most amazing running factoid about the wildebeest is how quickly they must learn to run. Baby wildebeests can actually stand in a matter of a couple of minutes after birth. Their wobbly legs find a way to stand quickly, then they can start their first XC workout as early as of the age of 7. That is 7 minutes old, not 7 years old!

They are not champions on the first day of workout! However, within a couple of weeks they are ready to run with the pack.

The lessons we learn from the wildebeest are most valuable for the first year runner. It may be awkward at first. There may be a struggle to start. But each of us have two legs and were also 'Born to Run' - however we just need to be a bit more patient since it takes time to be able to run with the pack, and eventually lead the pack.