I have been studying English 14,5 years:
10 years in school (I didn't get many useful things on these lessons, finished as "beginner"), 2 years in the university (the same, finished as "beginner") and 2,5 years in special English class + by myself + penpals' help. Now I'm in the middle of upper-intermediate class.

It's interesting that last 2,5 years of studying gave me more then previous 12 years) So if you think that you study Russian slowly, try to change a method. Don't give up!