Tips for Runners

How to run to help avoid injuries!
In order to avoid jarring forces from the ground to the lower back, make sure to land on the front of the foot, on a bent knee, somewhere under the hip rather than ahead of the hip. This means the ankle and knee will be involved in dissipated forces, making it easier on the lower back. The secret to achieving this is to increase your pace, which will naturally decrease the length of your stride. What you are trying to avoid are very long strides, landing on your heel, on a straight leg, way ahead of your hip. This will jar forces straight into the pelvis and low back, compress the knee, and irritate the ankle. Not the best. 
If you normally run with long strides and land on your heel, be careful the first time you use this new shorter stride, as the calf muscles will have to work a LOT more and it may be sore the first few runs. Same for the arches of your feet, who will have to do more work, too. Take it slowly and gradually increase the portion of time you use this new stride. Remember the body prefers slow gradual changes to big quick shifts, even if it's in the right direction.