Running - am I only one who struggles ridiculously?

I feel like I'm in generally good shape. I am at a great weight/body fat level, I can kill it in martial arts or weight lifting, but it took me nearly a full year to be able to run a 5k in under 30 minutes (literally 29:55 is my best time). I did a belt test that was over 3 hours long and kicked serious *kitten*, and I can't manage to run faster than 6mph for HALF of ONE hour???

If you really care about doing the 5ks (color runs, and mud runs, and obstacle races oh my!) then just keep running. If you are only worried about general health/cardio conditioning, then find something that you enjoy more: biking, dancing (zumba, swing, salsa, pole, whatever), martial arts (added benefit of being able to protect yourself), hiking, trampoline, any sport (other than bowling and table tennis :-p), roller skating/blading, ice skating, swimming, spinning, jump rope, HIIT, boot camp class, .....

Maybe you just don't enjoy running. I LOVE to work out, and I HATE to run. Try something else?

This. I am totally not a fan of running, despite multiple attempts. I have run two 5k's and hated every minute of both, as well as my training leading up to them.

I just don't like running! I'd much rather do any other form of cardiovascular activity!

Actually I can relate to you completely! After struggling like crazy I finally found out that I have exercise induced asthma exacerbated by thyroid medication that was too high of a dose. I'm still trying to get the thyroid meds adjust properly, but now with asthma medicines and the thyroid medicine getting closer to normal, its much easier! I firmly believe that once this is all in check, I will finally be able to do it!

I am going to echo what a lot of other people said and if you don't like it, don't do it.

However, I hated running when I started and I hated it because I sucked and it was hard. Now, I can run pretty fast. I can run for 20 miles. I love treadmills. I love outside. I LOVE running.

I had surgery about 8 weeks ago or so though and was just cleared to run two weeks ago. Even when I was initially cleared I still had a lot of pain and the first week running was sporadic. It was better last week but apparently taking over 6 weeks off you don't just jump right back in day 1. Right now - I'm HATING running because it's so damn hard for me. I used to be running 8:40 minute miles and right now I'm around 10 minute miles. But I know that I will get back to the point where it can be easy so I keep pushing on. You have to know where that difference lies for you.

Not everyone wants to run. Not everyone is meant to run. I freaking hate biking. I hate it more than any form of exercise there is. I will go for leisurely bike rides with my family but that's it.

Do what you want

I've noticed a lot of people talking about their speed. Your speed does not make you a runner. Run fast, run slow, who cares. I'm not the fastest chick on the block, but I've still run 6 half marathons and have signed up for my first full. I'm hoping to just finish and finish in the alotted time frame. If I'm last, I'm last, doesn't mater. I want to enjoy it. Making myself feel like I'm going to puke from running too fast is not the way to do it.

In my experience, a lot of problems people have with running are due to pacing. Simply put: Slow down! You are not in a race, and even if you find yourself in one, you should be running for you, not to beat other people. Unfortunately, when running outside it's very hard to pace yourself so my advice is going to be the opposite of everyone else's: If you want to get into running, start on the treadmill. Find a pace you can do for 2 minutes straight without leaving you winded. Then up it to 5 minutes, then 8 minutes, then 10. Only once you can run for 10 minutes at time should you think about increasing your pace. And that should be done slowly too. Maybe in .2 to .5 MPH increments. Slowly keep increasing both duration and pace until you've found your sweet spot: a workout that gets your heart pumping but doesn't leave you exhausted.

Once you've trained for several weeks indoors, your body will be used to your pace and then you can try the outside. Before you go, map out your route so you know where the mile markers are. Avoid steep hills. This site is helpful: gmap-pedometer.com. Bring a watch and time yourself to make sure you are running at your pace.

To me, there's nothing as invigorating as running outside. I'd rather do that than be cooped up indoors gyrating to some silly routine. Everyone is different of course. The very best exercise in the world is the one you'll go back and do again.