Runtime improvements

We're always looking for ways to improve runtime.

In this repo, that may mean improvements that make code run quickly, but it may also mean improvements to workflows to make them run faster. If it is a workflow improvement, it will likely need to be implemented in other repos as well.

No file, test, benchmark, or entry point is named. Start by inspecting the repository and identifying a specific runtime or workflow bottleneck, then confirm its scope with the maintainers. Done should be defined by an agreed measurable improvement and any relevant tests or benchmarks.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.