In the midst of exam preparation, running can be an outlet to relieve stress. Taking just 30 minutes to an hour to exercise can serve as a productive study break. There are multiple trails and places to run around campus and the surrounding area.

Rachel Wilson, a freshman in horticulture, said she runs nearly every day to stay in shape and for enjoyment.

“I ran in high school,” she said. “I feel good after I run, and I love it when it’s nice because I can be outside and get in shape at the same time.”

After racing for three seasons, she said running for distance is a relaxing change from timed runs.

Wilson said the alone time is also beneficial. It gives her a chance to reflect on the day and work out frustration.

In her first year at N.C. State, she has explored the area and found her favorite paths for exercise.

“I was driving down the Beltline and saw a cool bridge that goes over the whole highway and thought it would be cool to run across it,” she said.

She didn’t know how to get there at first, so she climbed a fence from the Beltline to get to the trail.

She later found out the bridge is a segment of the Reedy Creek Trail. It can be accessed through Meredith College’s campus, as it begins parallel to Hillsborough Street.

“There are a few hills,” she said. “There’s a little bit of shade, but it’s mostly in the sun.”

The trail ends at the North Carolina Museum of Art. There are unique wire sculptures along both sides of the asphalt path.

In the opposite direction of Meredith College, Wilson likes to run downtown.

“I run down Hillsborough Street until it dead ends into the Capitol building. I run around that block and then come back,” she said.

The street is busy, which Wilson said motivates her to run faster.

Sometimes, she takes Western Boulevard to get downtown, running by Central Prison.

“Surprisingly, I would feel less nervous running by there because there are always cops around,” she said.

For an on campus option, the Rocky Branch Trail behind the construction of Paul Derr Track is bordered by bubbling creeks and shady trees.

Wilson said runners can follow the trail under the Morrill Bridge and into Pullen Park.

Early risers will have the park to themselves. The park is crowded in the afternoons, though Wilson said it’s still a pretty place to run.

Lake Johnson, down Avent Ferry Road is a popular choice for students and community members. The parking lots are always full, especially on weekends.

“I like to run at Lake Johnson even though it’s hilly, because it’s in the shade,” she said. “I don’t like that I have to drive there.”

The main trail around the lake is paved and is about three miles long.

On hot days, Wilson said she is always tempted to jump in the lake.

“Everyone tells me it’s gross, so I shouldn’t,” she said.

On occasion, Wilson runs down Oberlin Road past Cameron Village, but not quite to Five Points.

“It’s nice. I had never gone that way before. I just ran down the road to see where it ended up,” she said.

For convenience Wilson often runs to Varsity Lot to retrieve her car. Running to visit friends can also be an easy way to fit exercise into the day.

Usually, Wilson runs with music. Her workout soundtracks consist of Third Eye Blind, Motion City Soundtrack and other upbeat songs.

She also uses the song lengths to calculate her distance.

So with music or without, early morning or afternoon, hit the road, the path, the trail to relieve stress. The fresh air and sunshine are like vacation from a library desk.