Why do you find it harder to run slower? It can sometimes feel a bit strange running slower than you know you can but that said running at different paces and distances accordingly is what is generally going to make you a better runner. Although this very much depends on what your aims are as well as someone training to run a 5K in a certain time is never going to do the same Sunday run as someone preparing for a marathon.
If your worried about your stride/gait (how you run) potentially causing injury then I'd maybe try shortening your stride and seeing how that goes, wouldn't do it on too long a run though and would ease into it. Changing things too quickly will only lead to injury in the first place as it won't feel natural.
I have no idea on what would be causing the pain there but even if I did I know we can't discuss anything even slightly medical on here so I'll leave that anyway.
In terms of stretching as well some do and some don't. I've heard there is science behind both and therefore conflicting studies so it depends on whether or not you feel you'd benefit from stretching and if it makes a difference. Try a run stretching before and after and then try the same run but don't do anything and see what happens. I personally don't stretch and have never had any problems running, I only do this though because I don't like stretching before running as I just start slightly slower to warm up and will generally walk home after a run as my cool down so don't feel an extreme need. That said if I do get slight niggles then I will stretch in that case as mental thing more than anything else I guess.
Going to stop now in case I end up waffling.
I always do stretching after a run, you shouldn't really stretch cold muscles anyway, you can always do dynamic stretches before, but i find running the first 10mins at an easy pace will achieve this.
I agree with your advice to the above poster to shorten his stride, this is more natural and is better biomechanically
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