Hey Sara,
If I can do it anyone can do it. I got so beat up the first 3 weeks of going clip less. I fell 7 times(on the main road) ,and had a concussion. Both knees are scared,and so are my elbows. I hated my bike ,and actually started to fear it. Finally I went back out on it ,and have been doing great ever since. I can stop quick ,and have no fear. I'm just getting the nerve to stop wearing long sleeves ,and covering my knees. I have SPDs. Good luck