And doing all that work just to set yourself up for a knee replacement or 2. lol
I have never had problems with my legs or any leg/joint pain. Only shin splints from overdoing it when I just started up again. I really didn't start running much until a few years before I moved to NC too. I really started running a lot here. My legs probably weren't used to that beating. I think that's why I got shin splints a few times. I get in shape quicker know, but I have been running semi regularly for 17 years now.
I had shin splints so bad, I could hardly walk down stairs ... a few times. Then you have to totally shut down for a few weeks. I know exactly what I am doing now and take it easy the first 2 weeks, but increase my pace or time a bit every day. Then I can start pushing it more.
I want to start doing morning walks in the forest too. I like hiking.