Dont be afraid of clips! It took me a while to get the hang of it. For me, it was a world of difference when I changed from traditional road bike clips to spd. You can also adjust the tension I the clip to change how hard or easy is is to clil in and out. Make sure you have your cleats I the correct llace o the botto of your shoe because it can cause problems I knee ir foot numbness.
Ride like the wind!