All of us have been there...just starting or starting over!
5 years of running before I could say I could run a 10 min mile. I used to always be a 11:30 - 12 min miler. That is still my "comfort" zone.
As for distance...I discoved if I went for SLOW and comfortable I could run longer. So before I EVERY worked on speed I just worked on building distance.
Some people never do more that a 5k. Maybe a 10k here and there. I never thought I would do a full marathon. And I may never again. I like the 1/2 marathon distance becasue I am NOT fast. But I can run 10 - 13 miles (with some training).

Setting goals, not matter how small, are what seems to work for me. If i don't have a race planned or it is not a new challenge...I dont' train. I KNOW I can go out and ride 75 miles with very little training. I am not fast, but I can do it...I have done it so many times. It is mind over body. But if it is a Hilly course, or I am riding w/ those faster than me...then I might actually train. Same w/ running. I can do a 5k any day...not fast, I will never be fast, but it is something I have done in the past and can do it. Now if I wanted to do a 5 k in under 30 min...I would have to train. Does all my rambling make sense or help.

I think with running the hardest part is getting started, getting comfortable at a short distance and then building. You can do it. You are doing it!

(some may disagree with me...there is a part of the population that just loves to run or bike or just train without races or goals. I need something that will MAKE me DO IT.)