Go with what the orthopod wants to do...believe me you will be better off in the long term. You'll have a stable knee, and in about 6-9 months after surgery (if you work hard) you will be back at, or close to, your previous activity level. As for running after the reconstruction - do you watch any professional athletic event on television? You're activity level after the surgery will be almost 100% in your hands. If you work hard, do what the Dr. and physical therapist tell you, the outcome will most likely be good.