Adam in Runderland

Due to overcrowding in London's parish churchyards during the early 19th century, seven private cemeteries were build. They became known as the Magnificent Seven. These were much larger suburban burial areas just outside the city centre. Christopher Wren said that they should be "inclosed with a strong Brick Wall, and having a walk round, and two cross walks, decently planted with Yew-trees." They were all established within ten years following an 1832 act of Parliament. The cemeteries are: Kensal Green Cemetery - 1833 West Norwood Cemetery - 1837 Highgate Cemetery - West 1839 East 1854 Abney Park Cemetery - 1840 Brompton Cemetery - 1840 Nunhead Cemetery - 1840 Tower Hamlets Cemetery - 1841 I decided to visit all seven on separate runs. I was tempted to try and do them all in one go, but didn't fancy a whole day in graveyards. NUNHEAD This was the place I was least looking forward to. It was the closest to home and for some reason I had decided that for this reason it...

Due to overcrowding in London's parish churchyards during the early 19th century, seven private cemeteries were build. They became known as the Magnificent Seven. These were much larger suburban burial areas just outside the city centre. Christopher Wren said that they should be "inclosed with a strong Brick Wall, and having a walk round, and two cross walks, decently planted with Yew-trees." They were all established within ten years following an 1832 act of Parliament. The cemeteries are: Kensal Green Cemetery - 1833 West Norwood Cemetery - 1837 Highgate Cemetery - West 1839 East 1854 Abney Park Cemetery - 1840 Brompton Cemetery - 1840 Nunhead Cemetery - 1840 Tower Hamlets Cemetery - 1841 I decided to visit all seven on separate runs. I was tempted to try and do them all in one go, but didn't fancy a whole day in graveyards. ABNEY PARK My third run was to Abney Park in Hackney. I set out just two days after visiting Highgate so didn't know if I would make it. I ...

Due to overcrowding in London's parish churchyards during the early 19th century, seven private cemeteries were build. They became known as the Magnificent Seven. These were much larger suburban burial areas just outside the city centre. Christopher Wren said that they should be "inclosed with a strong Brick Wall, and having a walk round, and two cross walks, decently planted with Yew-trees." They were all established within ten years following an 1832 act of Parliament. The cemeteries are: Kensal Green Cemetery - 1833 West Norwood Cemetery - 1837 Highgate Cemetery - West 1839 East 1854 Abney Park Cemetery - 1840 Brompton Cemetery - 1840 Nunhead Cemetery - 1840 Tower Hamlets Cemetery - 1841 I decided to visit all seven on separate runs. I was tempted to try and do them all in one go, but didn't fancy a whole day in graveyards. HIGHGATE My second run was meant to be Kensal Green. I set off in that direction and crossed the Thames at Waterloo Bridge. From there I headed...

Due to overcrowding in London's parish churchyards during the early 19th century, seven private cemeteries were build. They became known as the Magnificent Seven. These were much larger suburban burial areas just outside the city centre. Christopher Wren said that they should be "inclosed with a strong Brick Wall, and having a walk round, and two cross walks, decently planted with Yew-trees." They were all established within ten years following an 1832 act of Parliament. The cemeteries are: Kensal Green Cemetery - 1833 West Norwood Cemetery - 1837 Highgate Cemetery - West 1839 East 1854 Abney Park Cemetery - 1840 Brompton Cemetery - 1840 Nunhead Cemetery - 1840 Tower Hamlets Cemetery - 1841 I decided to visit all seven on separate runs. I was tempted to try and do them all in one go, but didn't fancy a whole day in graveyards. WEST NORWOOD My first run took me to West Norwood Cemetery. Originally known as the South Metropolitan Cemetery, this was the first to use the ...

It's been an odd year so far. I set myself the goal of running 52 half marathons in 52 weeks. One a week. A sensible target. A year taking it a bit easier after a big year in 2020. The first two weeks were fine. The half marathons then turned into marathons and I found myself running one every weekend. Sometimes upping the distance to an Ultra. Six in six weeks. I was loving the hours out there exploring and taking time to be by myself and unwind while seeing people. Inevitably the wheels fell off. My right knee screamed after 20 miles of the sixth run. Out of the blue. One minute it was fine, the next I was hobbling around and rubbing it roughly - as if that would make any difference. At this point I was at the Emirates Skyline so bought a ticket and hopped over the water so at least I was on the right side of the river. Now I still had six miles to go. I necked some ibuprofen and pushed on knowing I was only making it worse. Result? Another marathon completed. Home in time for lu...