felt slightly despairing

[flowersophy]

Hi,

The gun cracked, and I started to run. The race dragged on, and with about ten miles to go, my body started to feel the impacts of running for long. I felt slightly despairing as I thought I'd have to run another hour.
(quoted from an English test paper)

Does "feel despairing" make sense in the context? Can we say "feel despair"?

Thanks in advance!

 

[elroy]

Does "feel despairing" make sense in the context?

The meaning is clear, but it’s ungrammatical.

 

[TheIntricateWillows]

To me, it just doesn't seem natural.

 

[flowersophy]

How about "feel despair"?