I've been running and cycling since the late 70's.
I stopped running at some point in my younger 40's due to concerns with wear and tear, spawned by knee/hip/lower back pain.
I was a classic "heel strike" runner and would always get the cushiest shoes (Nike Air Max, etc) in an attempt to offset impact.

Since then, I've resumed running, but minimalist style. I run in Vibram 5-finger shoes (would go completely barefoot on the right surface), primarily on hiking trails, and it has been a breath of fresh air. There is an adjustment period to allow the soft tissues to re-orient, but once that has passed it is a completely different experience from what I have seen.
Yes, the "born to run" book was the catalyst for my shift, as many may have guessed. It works for me.
With this style of running (mid-foot strike vs heel strike, different posture) the soft tissues take the impact vs bone structure, so the calves are the primary load taker, along with the associated tendons, etc, so the key is gradual transition to avoid injury. Guaranteed the first barefoot./minimalist run will leave one's calves very sore for a few days, but once the body adjusts I've found a renewed blissful experience with running. The principal is that we humans are biomechanically "designed" to run (subsistence hunting, etc) as we are (no shoes needed). Instead of "correcting" or eliminating the body's natural movements when running (pronation, arch contraction, etc), the body is allowed to do what occurs naturally. Many have found that injuries are less likely/common with this style of running than with the 1960's and later ubershoes that we have somehow convinced ourselves are superior to our natural biomechanics.
Just look at elite runners - they essentially run with a mid-foot strike, and wear very thin-soled shoes. Same idea.
Anyway, I've found that it works for me, and have enjoyed the new adventure in running more naturally.

I also ride a bicycle, which I quite enjoy. Road biking has its own set of stresses on the body (neck/shoulder strain, primarily), though more upright (think English/Dutch town bikes) riding is probably the easiest on the body.