Just an update:

It was toodamnhot to ride outside last weekend so I spent some time at the gym. Not "enough" but better than doing nothing.

Yesterday I did a spinning class and yoga. I'm definitely adding the yoga to my weekly rotation!

Anyway:

I took my bike in y'day to get the speedplays off and the cages back on. As mentioned, I DO NOT tighten the straps. I also bought new shoes. Specialized Tahoe. I could actually WALK in these things if I wanted to, wow.

This morning I rode 30 miles with them. So glad I took the clipless off. Much more comfortable/the anxiety is gone.

I should mention I do get some benefit from the cage. I didn't realize this before, but I'm not merely mashing the pedals. A few times I took off with the cages down (to get going before flipping them) and I felt like my feet were going to come off the pedal. I'm definitely using the upper part of the cage to help me lift and not just mash.