Schools out for summer - here are all our plans

It has been a long time coming, but we have made it. It is offically the holiday season and (hopefully) good enough weather that makes you want to be outside as much as you can.

All our plans for summer 

Membership Adventures : Wherever our members are based this summer we are in their pocket - with our podcasts, meetups, classes, recipes and inspiration. It is like having a bunch of like minded fresh air buddies right whenever you need motivation, support and a gentle nudge in the right direction. The membership is closed for new members right now, but will open in late summer for 1 week only, so pop your name on the waiting list if you might be tempted. Here is what our members have to say about why they love the membership.

West Cork Running Retreats : We have two adventures to the stunning Bere Island this summer. Both are now sold out - and we have many attendees who come back each year it is so FAB. Great food, stunning scenery, wonderful company and a run or two along the way. The perfect island escape! 

Dublin Mountain Trail runs : Closer to home than Bere Island, Aoife will lead 3 Thursday night funruns to the Dublin Mountains. We never get to go here on the darker evenings, but July is the perfect time to get out there. Minimal traffic on the M50 and maximum daylight for the evenings. Escape to the mountains. 

Autumn Marathon Coaching : The buildup to Dublin Marathon (and indeed New York, Chicago and other autumn marathons is underway and our marathon coaching group are guided every step of the way. After 13 years of running this programme, we have seen it all. So these guys are in great hands - the nerves right now will change to self belief as the summer progresses. Wish them luck!  If you missed the start date, get in touch. Depending on where your training is at, you might be able to slot in. 

Preparing for Beaujolais : Its not until November that we head to France but the groundwork happens in the summer as we get organised and excited for our running and wine getaway. Everyone signed up will get a monthly update this summer to help you plan well so you can make the most of our annual trip to the running and wine festival. 

Behind the scenes : As well as looking after you all, we are practicing what we preach and this summer our coaches will focus too on their summer goals and plans (you can hear all about them in July's podcast in the membership). From running trails to sea dips, hanging off bars to making time for relaxation during school holidays, we have great intentions of making this our best summer yet! Will keep you all posted in our ForgetTheGym members App on how it all goes. 

Getting ready for autumn : Despite attempting to live in the moment - we do also need to plan for the future and in September we will be back on the beach with new classes. More to come on that in August. We will also have a new beginners class in September (get on beginners waiting list here) and already have a series of new membership adventures planned too. We even have plans for Xmas already - but too soon - yes you are right. Will save that til autumn. 

Writing and media : This will be my first summer in a decade of not writing for The Irish Times and I'm wondering what I will do with that free time! Who knows. You might see some more blogs or maybe I'll finally get around to doing all those things I say ill do when I've more time on my hands! Recently I've been on RTE Radio 1 on a few shows talking about summer running. If you need a little nudge out the door have a listen here to me on RTE Claire Byrne Show and also RTE DriveTime (24 mins into show). 

Here's to a great summer

We hope that wherever you are this summer you can get outside, move, meet others and feel amazing. Wherever you go this summer, be sure to get plenty fresh air (here's why) and remember that even just one run a week can make a difference (i've written about that here too). 

Mary x