For my current project for Mashed I needed to animate the main character in a run toward the screen. To create this I create a template character with all the possible frames I would use and set the timing and spacing.

-1: Uses all the frames with equal spacing that creates a fast but weightless run too me.

-2: Using the same frames by adjusting the timing a spacing when both her feet are in the air. This help create more control in the run and gives it a steady pace.

-3: Same as the second Cycle in regards to timing and spacing but with four frames removed. Still keeping the sense of control but slightly increasing the speed. 

In the end I’m using a combination of Cycle 2 & 3; gradually blending the two to give the sense of progressive speed. 

The only issue I have is the time spent to establish this concept. If I want to be a better animator I need to be able to concept the timing and spacing of a movement without the need to do this experiments