I started running around this same time period because a coworker gifted me some Vibram five fingers. I would run 5ks regularly and never get hurt. Today, I own a pair of very cushy Brooks and I've been running 5ks with those.

I am typing this while icing my knees because I've developed a bad case of Runner's Knee. Causation? Possibly, but I'm more apt to blame being fifteen years older than I was.