A while back, when I started running again, I made a comment about how my right ankle felt weak. I was puzzled about it, because I couldn't think of anything that would have injured it.
Well, I figured it out yesterday, and it was a forehead-smacking moment.
I have two pairs of cycling shoes...one that I use for spinning classes, which have a recessed cleat, and one pair that I use on most rides, with the cleat sticking out from the sole of the shoe. They both have SPD cleats, so I can use them interchangeably.
Since I was going to be walking into a WW meeting on my ride today, I decided to wear my spinning shoes, which are much easier (and quieter) to walk in. However, while their cleats are SPD, they are sort of cheap and don't really work very well with my pedals. It takes a significant amount of effort to get the cleat out of the pedal.
And that, kids, is how I discovered what was causing my ankle issues. The first time I clipped out, I felt my ankle wrench and my knee tweak a little, and it was all I could do to not stop and say "Oh MY GOD, how stoopid am I?"
Now, like I say, these shoes require a LOT more force to unclip than my other shoes, so it's not all that surprising to me that I didn't make the connection earlier. If it doesn't hurt, I'm not likely to notice that I'm doing the same thing over and over. Yesterday, though, as soon as it hurt, it all became clear. I think my ankle problem is a repetitive stress thing from always clipping out on the right side first.
So, now that this mystery is solved, I'm going to try to fix it by clipping the left foot out first at every-other stop. Hopefully, this will give the right ankle enough of a break that it will stop complaining at me. It will also make me more able to clip out on either side in an emergency situation. Worst case, I'll succeed in crippling both my ankles. :)
Posted by Joy at October 23, 2005 08:29 AMI had the same issue happen with me when I was using SPD cleats on my cycling shoes. I, too, am strictly a right foot clipper outer (LOL) and noticed some tenderness in my right knee that I soon figured out was related to those stupid cleats.
One suggestion that may help (other than trying to clip out more with the left side, which is something that I've tried and proceeded to fall flat on my face) is seeing if the cleats need to be loosened a bit. I had to have my husband loosen mine a couple of times before I could clip out and not completely tork my knee.
I will go ahead and say that if you do attempt this, there is a possibility that there will be a payoff in not being able to really get in a good pull on that side when you are pedaling.
In the long run, I ended up getting Speedplay pedals and cleats. And let me tell you, they are WONDERFUL! I highly recommend them if you decide to look for some more rider friendly cleats.
Oh, and a big *WOOHOO* for your ride to WW. That is just AWESOME!
Posted by: Lee on October 24, 2005 06:17 AM
Hi - I just started reading - I think I found you via Lee's site...
I'm a cyclist too - or a wannabe at least...
Interesting about clipping out hurting your ankle, working on clipping out on the other side is a good idea - even without ankle problems!
Something I could use to practice!
Posted by: Laura on October 24, 2005 07:41 AM
I have seen speedplay recommended in several places...a while back, I had done some research on pedals. Since my road shoes clip out easily enough and pedals are expensive, I put that switch on the back burner. It may be time to revisit it, though, because like you say...my number of near-falls has gone way up since trying to clip out left-first. Habits die hard, and I still want to lean right when I do it. Sure recipe for disaster,that.
Which speedplays do you use, Lee? The ones I've seen consistent good reviews on have been the Frogs.
Posted by: joy on October 24, 2005 10:37 AM
Like you, the best reviews come for the Frogs and I *REALLY* want to get some one day. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any (on eBay) when I was looking. Instead, I opted to go with the Speedplay X3. Compared to SPD, they are like a million times better. I can clip in on either side of the pedal (my SPDs were single sided), I have a really good amount of float (my SPDs were fixed and caused some discomfort on longer rides), and clipping in and out became a BREEZE as soon as I adjusted to the difference. You couldn't pay me money to go back to SPDs now. I'm spoiled. I realize they are pretty expensive, but I promise you that they are WELL worth the money. If you buy some and hate them, just let me know and I will be more than happy to buy them from you. I'd LOVE to have another set.
Posted by: Lee on October 24, 2005 05:14 PM