And you're welcome to it.
Took the fivefingers onto the treadmill for the first time today, to practice speedwork. All of a sudden the whole "increase cadence, shorten stride" thing -- and the move from a long forward stride component and lots of thigh power to a much shorter forward component and more butt power -- started to come together.
Because legs aren't over-extending to near lock, it's knee-benign too.
And
you're welcome to the treadmill.
The reason I only take little strides is because I don't have strong running legs that can handle giant steps (with apologies to Sting)
Big strides are for the strong and fast runners doing up to marathon distance, I would guess.
But for ultra distance, or weaklings like me, then the technique becomes closer to walking, which is probably a good way of describing my running; walking fast forward with a bit of a bounce.
Probably much better for a heavy dude too. I reckon you'll feel more comfortable if it is for you, so I'll leave you to be the judge.