Here are my suggestions:
1) Try to arrive at the turnstyles ~1 hour prior to Early Entry. Note that boats from the resorts almost invariably will either leave the dock at the resort 1 hour prior, or arrive to the dock at the resort 1 hour prior. Based on boat loading and travel time that can take 10-15 minutes before you're actually at the turnstyles.
2) If necessary, sending one person ahead to stake out a space in line for opening never hurts. I've rarely seen any issues with slightly later arriving folks joining their parties in line at opening and seems to be a generally accepted practice (unlike lines for attractions). The only issue here is, especially at IOA, there seems to be a pinch point that develops once the lines get long enough and it might be impossible to navigate through it.
3) I'm going to out myself a bit as "that guy", but I have no problem whatsoever jogging to my preferred attraction once inside the park. Security and park staff will yell at you to walk, not run, but usually I just slow down to a fast walk when approaching them/they yell at me, and then just pick it back up afterwards. As long as you're able-bodied and safe - not taking stupid chances and giving other guests a wide berth - I don't see any issues with it (although I certainly understand why Universal wants to dissuade guests from doing this).