One reason that running faster may actually be better for you is because when you run faster you run with a longer stride that turns over faster and with more efficiency. Running faster using an efficient stride means your legs hit the ground less often and your joints have less potential for damage.
So when can I get faster at running? Runners should first have a base number of miles that they can achieve easily before they attempt to increase their speed and do speed work. Runners should be running between 20 and 25 miles each week before integrating running exercises that will increase their speed.
However, there is one exercise that can be incorporated from the beginning that helps runners to learn how to take longer strides without working on turnover. Ohio State University football coach Woody Hayes used a 40-foot long ramp installed near the football field at a 25-degree angle to help his players learn how to run downhill with an efficient stride. This activity is a plyometric exercise that will help to develop muscular power by generating a large amount of force quickly.