It sounds like you are doing brilliantly.

I second the ipod. I can sort of zone out with certain music. And to be honest, there are some days I really dislike the running and other days I feel like I am flying. But I can't do without it.

I'm in the tropics, at altitude and hills and my speed doesn't seem to have changed in a year.

If you are really bothered by your speed then try Orm's interval training and try some hill sessions too, where you pick your worst favourite hill and run hard up it, jog slow down it for say 10 times or 30 minutes.

agree with orm. i don't bother checking my speeds. i just run and enjoy myself. the fact you are doing it at all is amazing.

DOn't worry about your times. I am quite slow but I don't let it bother me (much) (takes me an hour to do about 5 miles even after years of running). For fitness and weight loss slow running is just as effective as sprinting. Unless you are intending to run a marathon any times soon?

However if you really want to speed up try interval training (or my version of it). Run fast for 100 paces, then slow down, then do it again in a few kms. It does seem to help. Don't expect to do the whole distance at a higher speed.

BTW I ran whilst bfing for ages. I had to as until 2007 I was either pregnant of bfing for 10yrs I don't think it makes any difference - unless you are still sole bfing.

I am not a natural runner inspite of having unfeasibly long legs! But I love it and don't let my speeds put me off.

Sounds daft but do you have an Ipod/MP3 player? I notice I run a heck of a lot faster/longer when I have certain songs on.

Am just getting back into running again after another break and tried it without my Ipod the other day (hadn't charged it), just couldn't run at all. The sound of my wheezing and wobbling put me right off!

<faints>

You are still doing nightly b/f AND you are managing that distance three times a week.

<faints again>

I agree about seeing what happens once you stop feeding and get some sleep - you'll probably find it makes a huge difference.

I started running for the first time in (ahem) nearly 40 years when I stopped b'f - about 2 months ago now. I barely drag my sorry arse around 1.5 miles three times a week. But I am a bloater though, so I have an excuse.

(also check you aren't anaemic)

as a very very new person to running i doff my cap...

OH yes... moondog's suggestion is excellent... i do that on weekends... get DH to drop me 8 miles from home, so i have no choice but to run back. I take a friend though.

times improve not increase!

herecomes, I think it sounds like you are doing loads tbh

I bet breastfeeding probably takes it out of you a bit too

with your BMI being quite low and you still nightfeeding, you might find that when you start to get your sleep back, your energy levels improve and your times increase

personally, I think running that distance a week is very impressive!