Hard-core, fanatic runner, now forcibly retired:
Running on hard surfaces IS going to do damage, eventually. Our feet were not meant for such shock over prolonged periods. If your shins don't get it, hips, knees, or other parts will. Fact of life, I'm afraid. My feet took the brunt of the damage and I'm now, sadly, sidelined. Women are more prone to these kinds of injuries than men. Princess, you are lucky, but please think long-term and stay off hard surfaces as much as possible.
Track is great if the surface is soft, but try reversing direction. Tracks are slightly sloped and running in the same direction every time will cause uneven stress on one side or another.
Dirt or sand is more forgiving (although hard-packed sand can be worse than asphalt.) Concrete is terrible! Find a state park or other area of dirt/grass if possible. Good shoes, fitted by someone who is themselves a good runner, are a must. Don't go cheap, it will save you in the long-term.
Nothing, repeat NOTHING, is a substitute for running - not swimming, not biking, and certainly not treadmill. When you hit your "zone", it's like your feet aren't touching ground and you can go forever. I get a lump in my throat when I pass a runner along the road. I'd still be out there if my orthopedist hadn't used the word "amputation".
Wasa
Edited to add: Running barefoot - does anyone remember Zola Budd? Barefoot distance runner from - if I remember correctly - South Africa. I wouldn't recommend this. Human feet just cannot absorb the shock of pounding on surfaces that aren't dirt. Running can result in impact about 10x body weight.
