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
![woman hiking solo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xwN9DpmowqzkfsziV6dkx-320-80.jpg)
Hiking without tech – why I sometimes ditch the modern gadgets
By Fiona Russell published
What are the benefits of walking without being connected to a constant stream of data, music or audio?
![Collage of eight of the best running hats](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vus3ayvyEjmwGNqJbh4JEF-320-80.jpg)
The best running hats 2024: tested for breathability and sun protection
By Fiona Russell last updated
The best hats for protecting your ears and scalp, and for keeping the sun and sweat from your eyes while running
![recycle logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wse79fXw3JeqnYLSf9GTZG-320-80.jpg)
Where can your donate, recycle, return or repair sports clothing and gear?
By Fiona Russell published
How to make more planet-friendly choices when outdoor gear reaches the end of its usable life, or you choose to upgrade it
![walkers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YJzi7WWYBug4BBcr4mjNjY-320-80.jpg)
Should you buy last season's outdoor gear, or splurge on the latest version?
By Fiona Russell published
What to look for – and what to avoid – when considering a purchase from last year's collections
![Collage of the best hand warmers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q2vX5rDGwf6chVaZK36uRk-320-80.jpg)
The best hand warmers 2024: for keeping hands cozy in cold weather
By Fiona Russell last updated
Our pick of the best hand warmers to banish biting chills, because nothing ruins a winter hike or run as quickly as frozen fingers
![how to run a sub 3-hour marathon: joy!](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tbtLiFiWMqCYWPL4cMvvbS-320-80.jpg)
How to run a sub three-hour marathon: achieve that Holy Grail
By Fiona Russell last updated
A trio of experts give their advice on how to achieve the impressive goal of completing a marathon in under three hours
![how to run a sub 4-hour marathon: happy runner](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/g2XdjXRm3vFxFyqTaPSC6-320-80.jpg)
How to run a sub 4-hour marathon: our expert advice
By Fiona Russell last updated
An expert guide to running a marathon race in a goal time of four hours or under – a benchmark for so many runners
![woman running with sports watch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DAXZgSiiR4uTcRRcoaNGSQ-320-80.jpg)
Can you rely on a budget sports watch?
By Fiona Russell published
We take a look at the price of GPS watches for hikers and runners, and consider whether you can spend less
![lesley mckenna snowboarding](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/S5gfXfYdxSvbYoLZYdrJin-320-80.jpg)
Friday 5: snowboarder and mountain leader Lesley McKenna
By Fiona Russell published
Continuing our quick-fire interview series with the motivational trailblazer
![person lacing up a running shoe](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EE4eErAnRomF84c6ftDxRP-320-80.jpg)
How should your road running shoes fit? Advice for avoiding blisters and rubs
By Fiona Russell published
Tips for making sure your footwear is the right fit to avoid niggles and injuries
![nose breathing for runners](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iUm6U4TNURsE3cryRWbRjG-320-80.jpg)
Will breathing through your nose make you a better runner? We look at the science
By Fiona Russell published
We take a look at the research on nasal breathing for runners – and offer a guide to mastering the art
![race walking](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k88JCwTYnqwDtit5KSkdPc-320-80.jpg)
What is race walking, and how do you get started?
By Fiona Russell published
Discover how a high society Victorian pastime became an athletics fixture at the Olympic Games
![female runner with asthma inhaler](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8oa9mK5JycxadQcPr5NaV9-320-80.jpg)
Is running in cold weather bad for asthma? We ask an expert
By Fiona Russell published
Expert advice on whether you should run in winter if you're asthmatic – plus guidance if you do
![trail runner from rear in woodlands](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pS5DhxKQcXPuobYEcrpNrF-320-80.jpg)
5 of the best lateral exercises for runners
By Fiona Russell published
Improve your running performance with exercises that take you into the frontal plane
![winter trail running gear: man winter running](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9wheYBEgRLNbC7FL7ucRk6-320-80.jpg)
Winter trail running gear: kit for adventurous snowy runs
By Fiona Russell last updated
A guide to the essential kit for staying safe, warm and dry on the trails
![sports bra](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GdyvExy4N2KLPkXzTXqPgV-320-80.jpg)
Can you rely on a budget sports bra?
By Fiona Russell published
We consider the price and quality of sports bras for high impact activities such as running
![runner and green smoothie](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6ZVLx8a3j34gPCy2XFrRjg-320-80.jpg)
Are vegan diets good for running? We look at the science
By Fiona Russell published
Plant-based diets are increasingly popular but is veganism good for running?
![running in the wind](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8e5PMvdKYQENSmrn2EoVUE-320-80.jpg)
6 tips for running into a headwind – and why it's not always a bad thing
By Fiona Russell published
Running with the wind in your face can be a drag in every sense, but there are ways to make it a little easier
![do I need winter running gaiters: Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rs3mabFjrmzzqmrZxDv83Z-320-80.jpg)
Do I need winter running gaiters for my shoes? Unwanted weight or vital protection?
By Fiona Russell last updated
Our straightforward guide to the advantages and disadvantages of gaiters designed for trail running in summer and winter
![insole for running shoe](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PoPUz5oxpCShaXe583rpx9-320-80.jpg)
Can insoles make your running shoes last longer?
By Fiona Russell published
We take a look at the fors and againsts of replacing the insoles in running footwear
![knee with ice pack](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SxKJmmzFPAutyPpVHZvnSf-320-80.jpg)
Why is ice recommended for injuries – and does it actually help?
By Fiona Russell published
Icing has long been recommended for soft tissue injuries, but what does the scientific research say?
![two skiers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y6eqBUDQYZh6W3DNN2JKUY-320-80.jpg)
Can you rely on a budget ski jacket?
By Fiona Russell published
We consider the merits of more expensive jackets and look at the review ratings for a range of products in different price brackets
![male skier](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qoMHDgSZh3ahbWFcb57iEh-320-80.jpg)
Can you rely on budget ski goggles?
By Fiona Russell published
Prices of ski goggles vary widely so we consider whether cheaper options are worth buying