Fiona Russell
Fiona Russell is a widely published adventure journalist and blogger, better known as Fiona Outdoors. She is based in Scotland and is an all-round outdoors enthusiast with favorite activities including trail running, mountain walking, mountain biking, road cycling, triathlon and skiing (both downhill and backcountry). Aside from her own adventures, Fiona's biggest aim is to inspire others to enjoy getting outside and exploring, especially through her writing. She is also rarely seen without a running skort! Find out more at Fiona Outdoors.
Latest articles by Fiona Russell
![TNF and Columbia logo combined](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RDHTQNm2Jhqqdr9ukU6x7G-320-80.png)
The North Face vs Columbia Sportswear: let's get ready to ramble!
By Fiona Russell last updated
Trying to decide which superbrand makes the better gear for you? We take a closer look at the similarities and differences
![what is trig bagging? Trig on Dartmoor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8tr9FkupABTe3EdyP3BCKD-320-80.jpg)
What is trig bagging – and why is it popular with walkers and runners?
By Fiona Russell last updated
Discover how a historic mapping scheme now provides a focus for a modern-day British outdoor pursuit
![running gloves](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/r2udbUcdWuBrbMQze8229a-320-80.jpg)
Fasted running: the advantages and disadvantages
By Fiona Russell last updated
What are the benefits of fasted running versus eating before you set off? Our running expert takes a look at the claims
![Hiker climbing Yr Wyddfa, Wales](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/X3gqfm7Vf8z8KGBsXLFc5G-320-80.jpg)
What will the UK's new Labour government mean for the outdoors?
By Fiona Russell published
The pledges and actions of the new UK government on land access, nature and the environment
![best running jackets: inov-8 Stormshell](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MRiqngJ33YPs8nmTbPghSh-320-80.jpg)
What is ground contact time in running – and why is it so crucial?
By Fiona Russell last updated
We ask running experts for their tips and advice on how to improve ground contact time for optimized performance
![male runner sweaty](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mrDzTn8zFKCKh7qX7ZAmUC-320-80.jpg)
Salt tablets for runners: should you be taking additional sodium?
By Fiona Russell last updated
We've consulted the experts to guide you on the pros and cons of using salt tablets for runners
![Merrell Moab Speed 2 Gore-Tex hiking boot: Gore-Tex](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/F9ZVkGs2PxaLxsq8g8UTzR-320-80.jpg)
Gore-Tex vs Sympatex: which is best for backcountry adventures?
By Fiona Russell last updated
It's Gore-Tex vs Sympatex: we consider the advantages and disadvantages of two leading waterproof, breathable fabrics
![Coach encouraging runner](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZYtNp3E6SPSmYzrpYLNxe9-320-80.jpg)
12 things a running coach can do for you
By Fiona Russell published
Coaches aren't just for pros and elites, and finding the right one could be the key to getting faster or going longer
![Darren Edwards hand biking](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sTWLWFcy6RMFts8w4D6PPB-320-80.jpg)
My journey from near-fatal climbing fall to record South Pole sit-ski challenge
By Fiona Russell published
Darren Edwards is paralysed from the chest down, but he wouldn't change a thing now
![Injured runner sitting on steps holding calf](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d5V4YoymjT4Y3GUxGeW3Rh-320-80.jpg)
11 ways to stay positive when you're an injured runner
By Fiona Russell published
A guide for runners facing the misery of enforced time away from their favorite activity
![Runners taking water and bananas from aid station during a race](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oNeMfhQdwYgcRhwwJAnWN6-320-80.jpg)
How to run a 3:30 marathon: beat your PB in 2024
By Fiona Russell last updated
We consult the experts for tips and advice on how to conquer a marathon race time of three hours and thirty minutes
![Topo MTN Racer 2 trail running shoes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CDYivj68LCAR46ESojAcLn-320-80.jpg)
How should trail running shoes fit? Expert advice for optimum comfort
By Fiona Russell last updated
Our expert guide on how trail running shoes should fit
![Man lying under collapsed tent in field](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/scJJ75eBm3f4YBxF8T7GbQ-320-80.jpg)
The 11 worst things to take on a camping trip, according to an expert
By Fiona Russell published
Our tried-and-tested guided to what not to pack for different camping adventures
![runner with sore leg muscle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yxUed4ZKNtrwPjjudWfqEE-320-80.jpg)
What every runner should know about rhabdo, according to experts
By Fiona Russell published
An expert guide to rhabdomyolysis – and how to avoid it
![Ross Creber on bike during Celtman 2024](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JBhbdX3YNkJoHP7LycaZQH-320-80.jpg)
Ross Creber sets new fastest time in Scotland’s most extreme triathlon
By Fiona Russell published
Three-time winner sets bar even higher in brutal Celtman race
![how to exercise in the heat: woman drinking from a water bottle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/x4HTJDvL5hd2DciYqfKYqc-320-80.jpg)
9 easy ways to cool down after exercise during a heatwave
By Fiona Russell last updated
Whether you've just finished a run in the heat, a strenuous bike ride, or a sweaty gym session, these tips will help you cool down safely
![Happy woman finishing mass participation running race](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RZGzmqcEB8ixGRs7wSAxrL-320-80.jpg)
21 race day hacks for runners: easy ways to make the day go smooth as silk
By Fiona Russell published
Tips and tricks to make your 10k, half-marathon or marathon run like clockwork
![can you wear trail running shoes for hiking: Alex in inov-8s](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tgkVnAjcoYhV3C6kFCQ4Zn-320-80.jpg)
Are trail running shoes good for hiking? Our experts provide their views
By Fiona Russell last updated
Wouldn’t it be awesome if your favorite trail running shoes could double up as hiking shoes, too? Let's find out if they can...
![Sophie Power running](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jctnxWdAnEPxtcajCaH2rg-320-80.jpg)
"Even days later, the achievement has not sunk in" – Sophie Power explains how she ran the length of Ireland in record time
By Fiona Russell published
Mum-of-three tells of highs and lows of 350-mile endurance feat
![Female hiker in forest](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oNcHpwYuM3nA9ExtxcEt8D-320-80.jpg)
12 easy ways to make your hiking more sustainable
By Fiona Russell published
A guide to being a more eco and environmentally friendly hiker
![Two trail runners pausing for water break in woodland](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SGSRKuxjaYdiTvpom3fSvA-320-80.jpg)
15 of the worst things to take trail running, according to an expert
By Fiona Russell published
When you're hitting the trails, everything you carry has to earn its place. Here's what you should leave behind
![trail running shoes vs road running shoes: Scarpa trail runners](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/R6ZnpKywQAe3dT2RDBkmF7-320-80.jpg)
Trail running shoes vs road running shoes: what's the difference?
By Fiona Russell last updated
We compare the mud gripping, peak slaying trail running shoe to the marathon conquering, asphalt pounding road running shoe
![Aerial view of participants in a road race running uphill](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/amfGKSzdTndpzpJEoMcn3n-320-80.jpg)
What is race banditing, and why is it such a big deal?
By Fiona Russell published
Is it ever OK to run a race without signing up – and what about the legalities?