I got my new shoes today from Performance. The Fizik R5B. The weather was unpredictable, so I decided to do an indoor session. I had to install the cleats on the shoes first. This is where I started to have my doubts. Two things... 1, the sole flexed upon bending them with my hands. 2, the shims provided with the Speedplay cleats didn't conform to the contour of the bottom of the shoe. Nevertheless, I gave them a whirl. Here's what I learned... There is less cushion in the front half of the shoe but has more space than the Shimano's. I like the dial-in tension system. As I suspected, the sole flexed a bit while putting the power down. I could feel the flex in the arch of my feet. Despite the drawbacks, I did feel more square on the pedals with less lean. The material of the shoe is of less quality than the Shimano's. Perhaps to save weight? I've decided to send them back. I am now shopping for others that are on sale at Performance. As for the ride....

I felt good. My right knee was sore, but took less time to warmup. I felt very lively today. It didn't take much time to warmup. I was able to hammer up Box Hill. I used the technique I learned in the past few sessions. I alternated between standing and in the saddle. While out of the saddle, I put in over 200 watts for a minute or so, then sat down for about 8 breaths at around 100-150 Watts. Then rinse and repeat. This formula seems to work well for me. I did a PR on the first lap. Then there was the sprint kicker going into town. I was able to put in 600+ watts the first lap and over 700 watts on the second. The latter being my PR. Overall I felt real good today. I think the out-door training has a lot to do with it. Balance and form felt better today, whether it was attributed to the shoes, I can't say for sure, but likely. I've yet to decide what shoes I want to buy, but likely decide in the next day or two.