I decided to answer this email on my blog because this skipper asks some great questions....

This 76 year old kid skips now and then in his driveway. Question(s): regular running shoes ok for skipping? Do they wear out fast because of skipping (in running, it was the heels of course than worn down). ok to skip with light weights (3 lbs)? any ideas on how far "your people"--skippers tend to go (distance) for a decent workout? thanks. skippy

Dear Skippy, Yes, I've found regular running shoes work best for skipping..I try to find extra thick soles though...The balls of your feet will wear out faster than normal if you skip a lot....That is, of course, until we convince a shoe company to support the skipping cause by designing us our own shoes. :-)

As far as how long you need to skip to get a good workout...it really varies. Some people primarly walk and then incorporate skipping bursts for variety and to get their heart rate up...Others walk a block, skip a block, run a block, walk a block.....Skipping on the treadmill at the gym is also fun...I ususally set the pace at a brisk walking speed (4.2 or so) and ease into skipping a mile or two. Sometimes I skip a minute, walk a minute, skip a minute walk a minute.

Then there are the hard core skippers of the world! Ashirta Furman is training to set a Guiness World Record for skipping the fastest marathon. He skips for 15-20 miles at a time when he is training. He even had to create a plastic toe piece to go over his shoes because he was skipping so much and going through them so fast!

As far as skipping with light weights, I can't imagine that would be a problem..But if you are at all concerned about it, I'd check with a physical trainer or your doctor to be sure that will work for you.

I would love to hear more about how you are incorporating skipping into your life...and also would love to post your picture and a skipping quote from you on the website if you are interested! If I don't hear back from you, skip on!!! :-) kimskip@peoplepc.com