I am a 29 yo woman, 5'7, 155 lbs. I recently (6 months ago) quit smoking. I started cardio workouts @ the gym then, but now that the weather is nicer I started running, well jogging actually.

My question is this. Sometimes I feel like I could walk faster then I am running. The loop through my neighborhood is 1.4 miles and when I first started (2 weeks ago) it took me 18 minutes. I have jogged 9 out of the last 11 days. Today it took me 16.53 minutes to complete the loop.

Should I be jogging faster? Longer?

I know everyone's body is different, but what is an average progression? Are there any tips on how to improve my respiratory capacity to enable me to run faster and longer?

I also think I take far too many steps, my stride is not very long. Any advice on changing this?

Any input or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

if you want to increase the speed at which you do 1.4 miles, then you are going to have to run 2 miles ... it takes a long time to better your times (or strength in regards to weight training) if you don't push yourself beyond your current goal.
If you feel that you are jogging at too slow of a pace, the conciously increase your stride as soon as you feel this.