I have the opposite problem. I have been studying French for almost two years (March 1st will be exactly 2 years) using Pimsleur CDs. And I can pronounce what I know well and I am sure that the natives would understand me without any problems. But when they speak I can barely catch some words (they speak too fast for me). So I decided that when/if I go back to France I will only speak to mute people :)

I know what you mean. Every time I go to Spain, my favorite phrase is "Más despacio por favor"