I was told by an experienced runner that I actually have a rather long stride considering my height (5'2") so he couldn't figure out why I wasn't going very fast! HA HA HA!!! Usually while running with Kim she will have us all "stretch our legs" for the last little stretch of a run. I definitely feel it working different muscles and wonder if it wouldn't be beneficial to be more conscious of it. I wonder if it would change my time or if I would just get tired faster from trying too hard. Maybe I'll have to test the theory on a shorter run next week.
By the way, what is it you do again, Kevin? Are you some kind of scientist or engineer....all these crazy questions about running. I obviously don't put that much thought into it....one foot in front of the other is all I can manage some days!

Kevin - if it's all comforting you always look like running is so easy for you. You never look winded, never look like you're struggling, you never look like you might just keel over and yet because I've run with you enough, I know that's not true. I, on the other hand, sound like a freight train, my face turns bright red and I complain a lot. I think you should just stick with your stride and enjoy making the rest of us feel inadequate!