Running: At what point does the wear and tear on the body outweigh the benefits?

I am 58 and am recovering from meniscus surgery (february 4). The surgeon told me to never run again, today I ran 1.5 miles to the site of a Girls on the Run 5k, ran the 5k, then ran back home. Before I started running (about 8 months ago) I weighed 208 and it hurt like hell to walk to the mailbox. If I cant run, I will likely end up there again, so for me, arthritic knees and recent surgery hasnt gotten me to a point where I feel the wear and tear are too much. The befits outweigh that yet at this point. When my knees hurt, I will re-evaluate. I think it is a decision too individual to call. I plan to run a half marathon next year. I think every other day running on softer surfaces is more important than distance. I suppose under 30 miles a week is good.

I'd say half-marathoners are the ones who start to see the disadvantages to running.

As long as you stay under 40 miles per week, you should be fine.

as long as you are careful and use proper shoes etc you will be fine. i also had knee surgery and am back running and feeling good (although surgeon didn't say not to)

your body is designed to run!