Started running in August, three times a week for 5 km. I'm pretty much keeping the same pace, but my time isn't improving, and my breathing is still just as labored. Maybe I'm doing something wrong with my training?
Two months is still really not much time for noticeable improvements, especially if you didn't run before. Your body adapts slower than you'd like. But it's not just about time - it's about how you're training. If you run at the same pace the same distance every time, your body gets used to it fast and stops improving - that's why there's no progress and your breathing isn't getting better.
Try mixing up your workouts: one day easy, easy running (when you can still talk in sentences), the next day with speed work or intervals (alternating fast and slow), the third day aerobic again but a bit longer than usual. This approach forces your body to adapt in different ways and builds both endurance and speed. Your breathing improves when your body learns to use oxygen more efficiently - and that happens specifically with varied workouts.
Also pay attention to recovery: how much you're sleeping, how you're eating, maybe you're burnt out from overtraining or stress. And don't get hung up on your 5k time - it'll come. First focus on how it feels: your breathing should get easier, running should feel more comfortable. The numbers will catch up in about a month or so, once your base gets stronger.
Two months is actually pretty short for noticeable progress, especially if you weren't running before. The problem is probably that you're keeping the same pace every single workout - your muscles have adapted, your body's stopped working hard, and there's nothing left to improve. Try mixing up your training load: do a slow recovery run one day, go a bit faster than usual another day, and throw in intervals on a third day. Your breathing will improve once you start gradually increasing either the distance or the speed - your body will adapt in response.
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