Pre-clipped-in bike shoes

I did my first tri this past weekend and I had my shoes already clipped in. I place the velcro straps on the ends of the fabric so to make a bigger hole to get my foot in and also not to have straps flapping around. I ran out of T1 alongside my bike and once I got to a flat ground placed my left foot on top of the left shoe and swung my right leg over, placing it on top of the shoe. I had the bike in easy gear to get going and not mash. I pedaled like this for a 100 yards until I picked up some momentum. Then, slipped my foot into the shoe at the top of the crank and tightend it and did the same with the other shoe.
To dismount, about 400 meters from the finish I loosen the straps, place my feet on top of the shoes again and pedal in to the finish. Jump off and transition.
I hope there was something in there that you might use. Also, I know that some people place ruber bands around the crank arm and the shoe to keep it horizontal,but I have heard that breaking the bands and leaving them is a violation of disgarding equipment. I am not sure. Best of luck. 🙂