By Victoria Bates

Most people wouldn’t enjoy running one mile, let alone three. This isn’t the case for Lyvia Sanders, a junior at Flora High School, who can complete three in just eighteen minutes. Leaving school early for races, she travels to state parks and competes against other high schoolers independently.
Robinson, Newton, and Casey are all popular areas for races to take place. Although the independent cross-country running is not through a school team, the schools still sponsor the events.
“It’s inspiring, the scenery and the people cheering for you as you finish,” Sanders beams.
What motivates Sanders is ‘demolishing’ her opponents on the track.
“It’s an empowering stress reliever,” Another motivating factor is the thought of her boyfriend in the military and winning the race.
Last week, Sanders participated in the race at Newton.
“I did well but I completely got lost!” she admits.
Tripping and accidentally taking a college course, Sanders says she didn’t win because she couldn’t find her way back to the high school course and accidentally ran an extra five miles.
All in all, Sanders relishes her running career and will continue to participate in races for years to come.