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 running on mountain trail](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZmPomtCiuiqsa7NvsJfQRj-320-80.jpg)
How to start trail running: a beginner's guide
By Fiona Russell published
Our guide on how to get into trail running is an essential read for runners who are ready to discover the joys of going off-road
![sunset and jenny graham](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hhPifSrDo69hfjfbPssHrL-320-80.jpg)
Friday 5: adventure cyclist and round-the-word record breaker Jenny Graham
By Fiona Russell published
Continuing our quick-fire interview series with the bikepacking and endurance legend
![runner in a field](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/P9LoKho4Pz6hAvm5R3Fq7L-320-80.jpg)
Why you should ditch your running watch
By Fiona Russell published
Did you know that running without a sports watch can bring benefits for physical and mental health?
![runner and bounce springs](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hjTjNycyoHURprt5zczxsi-320-80.jpg)
What is vertical oscillation in running – and why does it matter?
By Fiona Russell published
We ask the experts to assess whether we should pay attention to the metric now recorded on many modern sports watches
![dried dates](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Gabx3hepjJedSC8WmaoixF-320-80.jpg)
Can you make your own energy gels? And what's in gels anyway?
By Fiona Russell published
A guide to making homemade energy gels – plus three tried-and-tested recipes for runners
![Bottle of glucosamine tablets spilled on white surface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/34GQtbTYT7KVkvTtn6Evt4-320-80.jpg)
Should runners and hikers take glucosamine supplements? We ask an expert
By Fiona Russell published
We consider the science to discover whether there are benefits to taking glucosamine supplements
![relay runners](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WmLZazrFsZ2iBAAesp8heQ-320-80.jpg)
Everything you need to know about trail relays
By Fiona Russell published
Tips, advice and guidance on running a trail relay race with friends
![Scoop of collagen powder with a sign reading 'collagen'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MgqJDQq9aJeL277NNSogKC-320-80.jpg)
Is collagen good for runners, and should you be taking a supplement?
By Fiona Russell published
As sales of collagen supplements rise, we provide an expert guide to the possible pros and cons
![beginner tips for footwer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6SzAQM7WJ4j5Zm8rkqDkBj-320-80.jpg)
Want to start running? How to avoid hurting yourself
By Fiona Russell published
Expert tips on footwear and foot care to stay injury-free when you are getting into running, or training for a race
![Suunto 9 Peak Pro on woman's wrist](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tkMLXENqmu3WBVXZraZxUA-320-80.jpg)
Suunto 9 Peak Pro: a thin, light, durable multi-sports watch with long battery life
By Fiona Russell published
Suunto’s latest GPS watch has some great updates, but still has a few drawbacks
![Collage of the best women's trail running shoes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gmsvXSvKfdMNdxcvPNPJik-320-80.jpg)
The best women’s trail running shoes 2024: for speed on tough terrain
By Amanda Loudin, Fiona Russell, Sian Lewis last updated
Our roundup of the best women’s trail running shoes give you pairs that provide grip, speed and comfort on technical trails
![Rain beading on shoulder of waterproof jacket](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XskZoEj8zeztM52NaBeyqK-320-80.jpg)
What is two-layer and three-layer construction in waterproof jackets?
By Fiona Russell published
A guide to the differences between two and three-layer waterproof fabrics, as well as 2.5-layer fabrics and DWR
![walkers in Lake District](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CRNTvVopGp6XXXnT6MCBb5-320-80.jpg)
New summer hiking event offers supported multi-day walks in the Lake District
By Fiona Russell published
Highlander expands its trekking event series to the scenic Lake District with three-day and five-day hikes
![Saucony endorphin elite shoes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GxSCLoLJUP4HqTf94XU2vg-320-80.jpg)
Saucony launches new "lightest, fastest" Endorphin Elite road running shoe
By Fiona Russell published
The 'race day' footwear joins a growing stable of running shoes with lightweight cushioning and carbon plate inserts
![two men ski touring](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MhxLseq3B7ZRFSL2qkMhCF-320-80.jpg)
How skiing can reduce back pain – yes, really, says osteopath
By Fiona Russell published
Contrary to popular opinion, an expert believes skiing can alleviate back pain rather than cause it
![damian hall wins montane spine race](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2wbtK769PxsegTh3BUJzCi-320-80.jpg)
Damian Hall wins Montane Winter Spine Race 2023
By Fiona Russell published
Dream comes true for British ultra runner in his fourth attempt at infamously gruelling race
![Man running up road](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9vuQpafh6iPopRKEopTfTK-320-80.jpg)
How to choose road running shoes – tips and advice for the perfect fit
By Fiona Russell published
Buying the right running footwear for training and racing on tarmac is the difference between top performance and despair
![Masseur giving sports massage](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iYGCg3iwdpCULSKhxqYskf-320-80.jpg)
Sports massage vs deep tissue massage: which is best for runners and hikers
By Fiona Russell published
Which of the different massage techniques should you choose for muscle maintenance, injury and recovery?
![Woman running on hilly trail](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FWf6cHmavJzKy73eLrbPK5-320-80.jpg)
11 great reasons to head outdoors instead of hitting the gym
By Fiona Russell published
Thinking of renewing your gym membership? You might get a better, more enjoyable workout outside
![hiker with trekking poles](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KCawQcax4cUKsUxptfAg48-320-80.jpg)
Emergency hiking gear repairs you need to know – plus useful items to pack
By Fiona Russell published
Things don't always go as planned when you're out on the trail, so make sure you're prepared
![Coros Apex 2 Pro watch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EouYJYgbZBgrEJhhtG6BDJ-320-80.jpg)
Coros Apex 2 Pro review: lightweight and dependable, but with a few drawbacks
By Fiona Russell published
The Apex 2 Pro offers excellent battery life and GPS tracking, but the lack of turn-by-turn navigation is a drawback
![Montane Spine](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QuF7dPSswZYwBgS6padt4Z-320-80.jpg)
Montane Spine Gore-Tex trail running jacket review: not cheap, but super lightweight and breathable
By Fiona Russell last updated
This lightweight and waterproof jacket isn’t cheap, but it's one of the best for staying dry while running
![boa used in speedland shoes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FFe3zaftPaky733G6eoE27-320-80.jpg)
What are the pros and cons of BOA fastenings?
By Fiona Russell published
The dial-in BOA fastening system dates back 20 years to snowboard boots. Now it is being more widely used in running footwear