Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - New shoes hurting my feet/ plus some updates

Hey guys! Long time!

A couple of updates before I get to my question.

I'm nearing the century mark on weight loss. At my heaviest I think I weighed close to 400 pounds. When I did an official weigh in (before I started eating right) I weighed in at 370 pounds. I'm now at 275 and I'm continuing to lose.

Here's a progress shot. On the left I was at my heaviest back in Dec of 08 and on the right is from Dec of 09.

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs157.snc3/18477_280175395896_635520896_3331107_1236965_n.jpg

I completed the couch to 5k program back in December. I've run 3 5k's since and at my last 5k I finished in 38 minutes.

I've started training for both the Silver Comet Trail and the 60 mile Tour De Cure ride. I've also joined the local YMCA and have started taking spin classes which bring me to my question.

I bought a pair of cycling shoes (the first for me) with spd cleats for the spin bike. When I completed my first spin class with them, I noticed intense pain on the side of my feet. It was so bad that I had to sit down for 20 minutes before I could even walk.

Is this just part of getting used to them? Am I doing something wrong? Am I just not used to the new feet position yet?

BTW - I'm bout to drop the hammer on a new road bike. I can't wait. I leaning towards the Giant Defy 1 or Specialized Allez Comp.

Congrats on the weight loss!

As far as shoes... that pain is not normal. Make sure the shoes fit properly. You may also need to adjust the cleat position for comfort. There also is no reason that you have to use clipless pedals. I've done most of my riding with POPs (Plain Old Pedals).

Good luck!

That's awesome (on the weight loss)!

As for the shoes, you might want to see if you can adjust the "float" that the pedals have. I'd likely go for more float to make sure your feet can stay clipped in, while still maintaining what may be a more natural angle for your feet. At the same time, you may also want to be sure that your shoes are not on too tight. They may feel good at first, but the longer you ride, the more your feet will swell. Start loosening them a little bit into your spin. Let the blood flow.

Wow, you look like a different person. Well done

+1 on making sure they are not too tight. I just recently got a pair of shoes and pedals and my first couple rides with them my left foot would be sore/hurt because I had the shoes just slightly too tight.

They were too tight. I did spin class again tonight and made sure the shoes weren't too tight. I also adjusted the seat height a little. After the class I had no pain in my feet whatsoever. You learn something new everyday. :)

Congratulations!