Is anyone else really fit but terrible at running?

onemississippi
I don't agree it's a psychological thing though - even when I was in my mid-20s, weighed 58kg and was ultra-fit I could never easily manage a 5k run.

You could never easily manage a 5k run? So you did run 5k when you were younger, even though it didn't feel easy? I rest my case

You can't really make a judgment about your current 15 minute sessions, because they're all the same and it takes around that time to adjust to the state of running.

For your 15 minute sessions to feel easier, you need to try other things - slower, without the incline, different terrains, longer sessions etc. It's very very difficult to improve (or for a session to feel easier) if you keep doing the same thing.

I'm not so fit now but have been super fit in the past (I intend on getting back there soon honest, lol). Even though I was super fit I still hated running, I have always found it boring beyond belief and that lack of stimulation makes things harder.

I know people who consider themselves runners and they are constantly trying to get me to run, TBF it would solve the problem I have finding time to exercise, as I'd be able to just run straight out from my house, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I even take my dd to the local athletics club as she loves running, but I sit and watch rather than join in. I was a good runner at school and was town champion at the 1500, but it was a biproduct of being so fit and I was bribed by our PE teacher. Maybe a different type of cardio work would suit you more.

I am the same as you OP, fairly advanced at kickboxing, I can swim 3km in a hour, do pull ups, v flexible etc but I don't get on with running. I did manage to stick at it for a period of a few months once though, and built up to running 6 or so miles continuously (9m once !), so it is possible to get there. My knees don't like it much though and I stopped in favour of the activities that I really enjoy. I suspect that as others have said, you are probably running too fast and without a decent warm up, or there's a psychological barrier. Tbh I'd be inclined to just find something you like better that gives similar physical results - not sure what that might be though !

I'm the same. Have a PT, pretty fit, done lots of cycling, skiing, hiking etc. But I've always been a crap/non runner. I've been training for my first 10k since Jan and I'm up to 8k now. It seemed to click into place when I got up to 5k. DP or friends, all much better than me, go running with me which means I don't stop! Still can't run on a treadmill but I can manage to run outdoors. I still feel like going to die after a minute of running. But the feeling afterwards is fab.

I would love to love running outside, but I hate it.

I run on the treadmill at the gym at least 3 times per week and do at least 5k, but if I run outside, I am knackered as soon as I start.

I was similar and had a lesson with a friend who is an amazing runner. First of all, don't start running as soon as you get on the treadmill/leave the front door. Walk for 2 minutes or so just to get used to moving. Then run slowly, not the way people do on tv. I was running too fast for my fitness level. Try running for 2 mins, walking for 1 and repeat. It really does get easier quickly.

I do sport 5 times a week(swimming and tennis) but cannot run a mile!

Not overweight.

But reckon being really tall with very wide hips (KimK has nothing on me ) I am just the wrong shape!

Me too.
I'm fairly fit, do gym twice a week and could walk and walk for miles, hills and everything.
But run? I can't seem to last long.

I can't seem to get the breathing right, must have crap lungs (even though I don't smoke)

I barely break out into a sweat and recover quickly but my body just can't seem to cope with the run itself.

OP, sounds like this is mainly a psychological barrier. The other issue is you are repeating the same session. If you vary your sessions, that will help, psychologically and physiologically.

Assuming that what you are doing is not adversely affecting your knees, you could start varying what you do, gradually. Next time you could add one minute to the length of your session. Once you've done that, I think it will make a difference to how you see your capabilities as a runner. As others have said, you could also consider trying other 'kind' surfaces to run on (level grass, springy running track?).

I like running but only after 3 miles. Up to then I hate it. I do 5k runs but I don't like them as they are too short as its only after 3 miles I warm up.

Im off this morning round the hills! I won't see a single soul. Perfect.

as Ragged says the heavier you are the more energy it takes (all other things being equal) to run any given distance....thats just the laws of physics.

Really it's a bonus because the heavier you are the greater the calorie/fat burn

A mere 5"3 and a massive 60kg and run with no problems so agree with the sensible thoughts from
aggresive. Maybe take a day out to the forest if you are footloose and fancy free

Hmm- I'd be surprised if the OPs weight is a factor at her present stage- it becomes one as you start trying to shave time off PBs and yes, most podium chasers are light framed but that's not really relevant here. Plenty of good runners at the OPs body stats.

OP- it sounds like it's more a case of time vs distance and just starting at at lower speed until you can comfortably do, say 3 miles at that pace and then inch up from there.

Possibly because your cardio is HIT rather than endurance, it's just a case of getting familiar with that sort of training style.

I never said that, SilverBlur, I just pointed out an aspect of why the running might be hard for OP. Just because something is difficult doesn't mean we shouldn't try to do it. I go running in spite of being terrible at it. And I don't even have an extra 6 kg to blame.

Forgot to say the added bonus of the sights sounds and smell of the sea is a brilliant distraction to the monotony of running (I'm not a natural runner either and get really thick calves when I do )

Do you have access to a local beach? I found running on the wet sand easier on joints (plus the tide has levelled the sand out so you don't turn your ankle in little divits/uneven sand)

Don't yell at me.. your height-weight is perfect for Judo & fine for swimming, but it's relatively heavy for a runner. There are a lot of keen runners at my work & they are fairly scrawny, at your height, under 60 kg easily. If you carry 6 kg more than them, that doesn't make the running easier.

I read something somewhere about how we learn to breathe well and our bodies learn to work efficiently for the sports we do lots of. I'm terrible at running anyway, but I'm especially terrible because I've never done a lot of running. You'll get better if you persist, though. I know he's Super Mr. Discredited, but Look at Lance Armstrong's physique before and after the cancer. He changed totally & not because of drugs but because of massive weight loss followed by reconditioning to just one sport.

OP - I am in awe of how much exercise you manage to cram into your week! How do you do it?

I am a laize faire runner, but agree outdoor in easier/better than in.

Also second others opinions that the first 15 mins of any run is the hardest part. I cannot run on a treadmill for more than 10 mins but can manage over an hour outside - it is just so much more interesting and more things to divert your attention.

I used to be similar. Could do lots of fitness activities and a few times attempted C25k and always struggled and could never get past Week 4. Was also officially obese so not a runner's build either.
Had my iron levels checked and they were very low. Once I was taking iron tablets and started running outside it began to change. I was very slow at first and took months to actually complete my first 5k and that took about 36 mins
I've dieted and lost 3 stone but still overweight and nowhere near slim. But I can run 5k in about 28 mins and regularly run for an hour non stop. The first 10 mins of every run are the worst and then it all settles down - breathing relaxes etc.

Definitely try running outside. I'm almost 50 btw. If I can do it ...

Try off road / trail running? Softer underfoot and easier on the knees. Lovely to be in pine forests with springy needles underfoot

yes. what's worse is that other runners have told me I have a runners body and are surprised when I say the most I've ever done is parkrun.

heavy thighs here too. thin but always had more than my fair share of muscle.

I shouldn't complain though. I can hold my own in every activity I try, yoga, dance, martial arts. pity the fitness doesn't seem to cross over to being really good at running .