Strengthening Hips for Running

I suffered from lower back pain as long as I can remember, even as a teenager but especially during my twenties while working as a whitewater rafting guide.  What's interesting is that once I started PT to treat hip impingement my lower back pain dissapeared completely.  I have been pain free in my back for almost 2 years now.  Why you might ask?  The core strengthening excercizes to treat FAI help balance out problems that can and often do cause lower back and knee pain.  As I carefully tread my return to running I am reminded of the importance of these exercizes and that they are critical to recovery and returning to a painfree but active lifestyle.

Here's a first paragraph and link to an exellent article from Runner's World on the importance of hip health on the other joints. 
All In the Hips "Strengthening this joint could cure your injuries"
"Runners who are looking for the cause of their foot, ankle, or knee pain may need to look higher. Weak hips are often the culprit behind patellofemoral syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, and iliotibial-band syndrome, according to Reed Ferber, Ph. D., director of the University of Calgary's Running Injury Clinic. "Inadequate hip muscle stabilization is a top cause of injury in runners," he says. "The hips need to be strong to support the movement of the feet, ankles, and knees."