What are strides?

Strides - short repeats at a 5K pace with recovery in-between.  Each 'repeat/stride' should be about 30 seconds long and allow for a full recovery in between.  Make sure you are properly warmed up-at least 10 minutes before the first.

So, to clarify... in the case of the training plans here, "strides" means intervals?

Other people I know use the term "strides" to mean running with a longer, more exaggerated stride.

Hrmmm... I was hoping it meant intervals, since those are pretty much the only workouts I can stand to do on a treadmill, and it looks like the rain isn't going to hold off for today. 

So, if I did a 30" "sprint" followed by a 4'30" recovery, that would be a "stride"? 

OK, I have clarified the stride workouts at:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=630

These 'stride' workouts are also 'cadence control' workouts, running at your 5k pace but trying to run at a cadence of 90rpm.

Strides - short repeats at a 5K pace with recovery in-between.  Each 'repeat/stride' should be about 20-30 seconds long and allow for a full recovery in between.  Make sure you are properly warmed up-at least 10 minutes before the first.  You are looking to get in about 45 left foot strikes per 26-28".  This number equals 90 RPM, a running cadence that is the most efficient.  You will typically be doing 4-10 repeats of 20-30" strides with a full recovery between sets (depending on the particular workout) by walking back to the starting point. 

Over time with these workouts, you will see your cadence quicken, you will be lighter on your feet, and your run times will improve. 

Finding your Cadence BEFORE doing your first 'Stride' workout.
In order to improve your run cadence there are a few things you can do. First off you should know what your cadence is now. Go to a track or a long straight flat path or trail, and count off how many steps you take in 30 seconds. This is your run cadence, or how many run cycles you take per minute of running. Improving this number or bringing it over 90 rpm is done by running what we call “strides,” or “pick ups.” 

Thanks for the clarification, Ron.

I'm pretty sure my run cadence is at or near 90 strikes per minute.  I have a short stride though.  Maybe I'll try to lengthen my stride, and double check that I really am hitting 90 steps per minute on each side.