I'm not, and never have been, a competitive runner. However, I did enjoy the 3-4 mile run about 3-4x per week because it's just the easiest way to burn maximum calories in minimum time. In my late twenties and early thirties, I could string together about 3-4 sub 6:30 miles, which was great for me.
The day before my first resurfacing (2012, 9 years ago) I actually ran 4 miles the day before my surgery. After my surgery and the 6-month waiting period that Dr. Gross recommends before any impact activity, I started to try to run. As many suggested, I started with 30 seconds running, 1 minute rest, and then progressively working towards more running less walking. When I finally started running with no walking, I would get a deep groin ache around the 3/4 mile mark and have to stop. If I powered through, I would be hobbling for a few days. I tried PT but nothing really changed it. So I basically didn't run anymore.
Fast forward almost 8 years I joined a boot-camp style gym. TONS of lower body moves. Super hard, and WAY more lower body work than I had ever done. One of the groups I worked out with started running after class, and I joined them. I ran a mile with no issues. Outside of class, I found I was able to run over 2 miles with no issues. So, I think that the surgery and requisite recovery time weakened some smaller muscles that led to the pain, and that a comprehensive strengthening of all things leg/glute was the key.
Now I'm on month #4 for the second hip, so I will put this theory back to the test in 2 more months. Good luck!