I forced myself...and it wasn't so bad....

Congratulations on your milestone!!  I think you will probably get varied opnions on this question, based on different experiences.  Here's mine:

I prefer running on roads/paths much more than I do a track.  I find that after I spend several sessions in a row on a track, my legs have to regrow accustomed to running on pavement.  I just don't have that "sprng" in my step as when I am on a track.  I don't like that feeling.

It takes me about 20 minutes or so to get my legs back. 

The track definetly has its advantages; I just prefer running on pavement.  The monotony, the artificial "spring", and the lack of inclines just aren't for me.

With that said, I think that someone in your position can gain a world of experience and confidence starting off on the track.  I would simply suggest that you not wait until your competition to test out your running skills on the course.

Best of luck to you.

Over the summer my tri-group did a track workout every other week.  I really loved running on it (so cushy!) but wouldn't do it all the time as it does get boring and I needed to practice running more hills. 

Good job!  If you can handle running in circles ovals, the cushioned track may be best on your joints, especially as you get started.  

If you run on the track, your legs will become accostomed to the cushion of that surface.  Your body won't have to actively decelerate your feet, and you'll get a fair amount of foot rocking around your ankle due to the "give" in the surface.  So, like all repetitive exercises, you strengthen and lengthen the calf muscles needed to rock and the quads, hips, etc. that slow your foot impact with the ground atrophy.  Now move to an asphalt/concrete road and you need your hips and quads to provide the cushion, but they haven't been stressed and aren't up to the task.  Meanwhile, you're not using the extra muscles in your calves because your foot doesn't rock as much.  Your joints are extremely angry at the additional impacts from this unforgiving surface. 

So, as you get closer to the race, start increasing the amount of time you run on the race surface so you can build up those muscles.  As you're finding out, gradual changes are golden! 

Try the track and if you like it do some of your runs there.  If you can find a dirt trail that isn't too technical that would be good too. There is an awesome trail near me that is really small gravel but is totally smooth and flat.. love running there.
If you are going to do a race that you'll have to run on asphalt you should do at least some of your runs on a similar surface just so you are used to  it.... I trained for a marathon doing all my running on dirt roads and the impact of the asphalt at the race was very noticeable because I wasn't used to it.
The surface to avoid is concrete ie. sidewalks.. this is the worst for you as far as impact.

No advice or anything - just wanted to say GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

Way to go!  You rock!

If you felt OK and weren't sore with the 400 repeats of walking and running, no reason not to stick with that.  If you want to, you can increase your running intervals some days or increase your overall distance on other days.  Good for you for giving the running a chance.  : )

All of the other posters had good suggestions about the running surfaces.  I just wanted to reiterate that you'll want to switch directions on the track every now and then to avoid knee issues.  I run in the middle of the road in our neighborhood because of the huge slope to the curb for this reason.

abier and Mrs BD.....thatnks for the info.  I never thought it would be an issue going in the one direction, but I see your point.  I would have kept up with it until my knee started to bother me again.  Good info...thanks!!!  I can't run today since I have a dinner for my sister's b-day, but I will be back out on the run on Wed. (Mon/wed/fri = run/weights, SatOrSun/Tues/Thurs = bike/swim)