You're right, it's a walk! I'm using the wrong term, apologies!
I'm good with that though; I don't feel a need to change the whole animation for the sake of semantics. However, if the game ends up playing like it needs a run mode to get about more quickly, I'll definitely draw one up.
I have a couple of different sets of run cycles lying around for inspiration, but if you have a good one to share I'm all eyes!
More information is always welcome, and I'm using books about traditional drawing media rather than pixel art specifically.
Shading: yes, I'd like to get more detail in here, but I this is kinda where I'm stuck.
When you say "push the shading" do you mean I should use darker shades or cover more of the surface area with shading? I'm worried I'd lose the lightness of the figure, who's supposed to be wearing a light-colored material.
There are areas that I could put into shadow because of the positioning of the helmet, or the bend of a leg though. I'll have a go at some of those.
I work well by being visually inspired. Do you have an example of a well shaded character I can learn from?