Then I surmise that your cardio conditioning is subpar.
I’m a distance runner myself. If you’re lifting, that won’t help you run.
I don't place as much emphasis on cardio but try to get in at least hour nearly every day about 5-6 days per week of cardio. Do a lot of HITT training.I also have some bad knees from overdoing it in HS and don't want to make them worse. Still run with my gf several times per week.
I would rather lift but don't want to look like Arnold..just lean, ripped, athletic look.
That being said I'm faster and better shape cardio wise than 90% of the men in the general population in my age group but with the shape the average American male is today that is not saying much.