Success! I know gear shouldn't be a focus as a beginner, but upgrading my shoes has made running so much more enjoyable
I was using the Asics Cumulus 26 for about a year, because I saw them recommended on Reddit and other sites as a lightweight and cushioned shoe. But my feet were constantly a bottleneck - after a few km I would get pain in my arches, the front ball would hurt, it would distract me and often I had to stop around 3km. At MOST I could run 5km but my feet would hurt for days after.
I thought it was one of those things you just get used to or your feet adapt, but after a year I was still getting it and needing 4-5 days between runs. (Also because I was getting constant blisters).
So two months ago I decided I have to get shoes with more cushioning, even if it slows me down, and after a little research got some Hoka Clifton 10s. I also invested in some anti-blister socks (runderwear).
I didn't realise until today but it has worked fantastic! This month I ran my first ever 8km and today did my first 10km, and my feet were never in any discomfort. I'm still slow as hell (my pace today was 7:30 per km), but its so much more enjoyable now I don't have that pain distracting me.