gain speed

Then he came into a clearing and was able to gain speed for the first time.

The ground fell away as we gained speed and altitude.

Your board can be spun left/right, with fire held down to gain speed.

They gained speed quickly, but headed straight ahead at first.

He caught a glimpse of the face as the car gained speed.

And then they were over the rise, moving down the other side, gaining speed again.

Instead it would pass some distance away and even seemed to be gaining speed.

We gained speed, and finally, they were out of sight.

Down they went, gaining speed with the goal in sight.

The difference was that as the economy gained speed in the 90's, people who lost their jobs could easily find new ones.