I know this is going to sound weird but find something to think deep about.  I usually go for long runs sometimes forgetting where I am just by having deep thoughts.  Music isn't bad as well but it causes you to run to that rhythm of the song and can throw your momentum off.  Don't think about the timer, timers always kill people because you'll just want it to end.  Whatever you do don't give up.  I used to hate running and know I run 5 miles every other day.  I see it as therapy. I know I sound crazy but after doing it for awhile it becomes enjoyable.

Hi,

I assume your challenge is the mental aspect of the longer runs.

I had this too - physically I was fine but mentally they were a real challenge. The solution turned out to be speed intervals. The time just FLIES by!  I pick a tree in the distance - pick up the pace a bit and run to that tree  - slow back down to my comfy pace until I recover and then pick another tree. The mental cycle of picking a spot, "sprinting", monitoring my recovery and then starting the whole thing over makes the time flash by. I promise!

I would just pick up the pace a little bit - nothing extreme - just a faster than I would be able to maintain for any length of time. And the distance of these sprints was probably less than 30 seconds.

This is all easily done on a treadmill as well.

(If the challenge of the 5 minute runs is more physical than mental - then start out real slow - much slower than you think you need to go. You'll have more left for the finish.)

Happy running!