I too use old LOOK type pedals (Forte DELTA standard). Not too hard to get into except I also use toeclips and straps on all my fix gears and SPD on my gravel/in town geared bike for the walkable shoes/boots. So I am a beginner on a regular basis until I've done a couple of pickups.

My fix gear pedals are far from light. I put strong, steel tabs on them to make for an easy flip, then weight the front of the toecips with fender washers to get them to hang down properly. All that weight also adds inertia, further making pickup easy.