I REALLY want to stay in shape over the summer and keep up a good workout, but I have SO much trouble getting motivated to get out and run. I wish I were one of those people that could just go out and run 3 miles w/no trouble, but i'm not. help!

Why not make a reward system for yourself?

IF I do thus and such, THEN I can have this [treasured diversion].

The reward system does sound good. Another thing that may help is to find some friends to run with you. I always found company is a big motivation. When your feeling down they can help you and vise versa. Good luck!

I always had trouble sticking with a running program. Last fall I decided to try running again, and I stumbled accross this site:http://www.coolrunning.com/
It has great information, plus allows you a personal online running log where you can chart your daily mileage/time/comments etc. Also they have a very active forum where you can share accomplishments with a group of similarly interested people.

I know that several times I've run that extra mile or climbed out of bed to head to the track because I didn't want to leave that ugly mark on my running log! It's the first time in my life I've ever kept up a running program.

Good luck!