Zola Budd could hold the key to my foot knack.
At least that's what I'm trying to tell myself as we head towards the end of January and all I've managed is a light jog to the Clevedon chippy.
I've just finished the illuminating "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall. It would be a former war correspondent who delves into long distance running. But it's not just any old account of all American all stars breaking the pain barrier over nauseating distances.
This is a tale of a Mexican tribe called the Tarahumara, with a shovel load of science and US ultra running history acting as light mortar to the real substance.
The shock revelation is this: How can guys who run in sandals and shun competition with the outside world beat the best the US have to offer? Because they run for fun and aren't fussy about their footwear meaning they run more on the front of their feet.
Should we throw away our orthotics and pricey Nikeys? Yet to be entirely convinced but it does make sense to strengthen your feet more by mixing things up.
I think Bob would approve, achieving his feat well before the days of Michael Jordan and co. helped revolutionise our footwear and the way we run. Didn't he train bare foot and save his plimsoles for the big day?
Right now I'll try anything, and it got me to the chip shop and back for starters.
