Some of us just aren't meant to be great runners. You are genetically pre-disposed to having more Type I msucle fibers, or Type II muscle fibers. Type I is for endurance, like running, swimming, soccer and basketball...aerobic type exercise. Type II is more about explosive power, like weight training, football, baseball.
Now, depending on how you train, you can increase use of your 'weaker' fiber type...but a type II is not likely to ever become a champion marathon runner, and a type I is never going to win Mr. Olympia or a strongman competition.
and that's the beauty of
HIIT. I can't run 10 solid minutes without feeling like hell, but I could do sets of sprints, and reap all the benefits...possibly more benefits...than running a slower pace, steadily for 10 mins.