Border to Border

Saturday, May 17th: We made it!!!

2008-05-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

Today we started in a small town named Hyrum at a Subway there and walked to the recreation center to meet the Mayor of Logan and walk with him and the community. We had a great turn out. All ages came out to walk; our youngest was 4 weeks old!

We all walked 5 miles together. One of the ladies made a decision today to take back her life, she is going to write to me, weigh in and start being accountable. We all need to have someone to be accountable to, it helps us stay on task, I really hope she takes the steps to get the weight off. I told her she is where I was, just at the brink of possibly no return. She is on the edge of Diabetes and other health issues. It is not too late for her to turn her health around. Her daughter works at a Subway and says she is going to help her mom to start walking and making wise food choices. I know that this weight that she has to lose seems like it would be impossible to lose, but honestly the first part of this battle is to decide. Make up your mind to start, and the next part is to make a plan! I made a plan to eat at Subway and walk, and then start putting one foot in front of the other. One step at time. One day at a time. Eventually you will have success if you don't quit and stay consistent. Please care about you; you are the only one of you there will ever be!

After we all walked together we had a small party and drawings and then it was time to keep on walking on through Smithfield. We made it there in about 2 and half hours and man was it hot!!!! I think this was one of our hottest days thus far. But we did it!!! Walking 15 to 20 miles is a major challenge, but it is such a great feeling of accomplishment when you press through. Determination and perseverance are words you will have to add to your vocabulary if you are going to succeed.

When we finished our walk today we decided to take a drive to Bear Lake and see the incredible park and the turquoise blue color of this lake was spectacular. As we were taking pictures and looking at the lake a couple on a motorcycle told us all about the lake and the famous raspberry shakes and that we were at the border of Utah and Idaho. So we actually made it from Border to Border!!! I thought that was just AWESOME!

I want to thank Subway for believing in the message of combining exercise and right food choices and for allowing me to walk from city to city, sharing my story. I met so many incredible people here in Utah and I am so thankful for this opportunity.

I would also like to thank the team from The Summit Group, they have been incredible to work with and have taken very good care of me.

Thank you Subway, you have made a BIG difference in my life and in so many others...
Debra Flinn

Walking with a representative from the Mayor's office in Ogden

With a customer from the Hyrum Subway. She recognized me from the paper and I shared my story with her. She has been working on her weight as well; she has lost 30 inches and 29 lbs. She doing very well combining exercise with right food choices!
Staff and me at Subway in Providence

We stayed at the University Inn

We enjoyed a walking event with the community of Logan and Utah State University. They all joined me on a 5 mile walk.

Speaking to the community of Logan
The Mayor of Logan and me

Newspaper interview with the Herald Journal

Youngest on the walk-- 4 weeks old!

Anne's mom and me

Anne and me

This mother and daughter I shared my story with as we were walking, and she has decided as of today to start taking back her life!!! She is going to write me and check in along the way. The daughter works at the this Subway in the next picture.

Smithfield Subway
Bear Lake
The famous raspberry shakes

We've reached the border!!
I was in two states at the same time--Utah and Idaho!!

Friday, May 16th: Weber County

2008-05-16T15:03:00.000-07:00

Today we started at 6:00am in the town of Layton and headed north. I am so glad I took my coat because we got to a section in the walk where the wind was pushing us over and it was cold as could be! Then as soon as we walked through that section we had a very steep climb ahead. What a challenge this was! It was beautiful! Once we arrived at Ogden we stopped at a Subway and the staff was just over the top. We stayed and visited with the staff and then some reporters came and walked with me and I shared my story with them! Once we finished with the interview we were headed towards the Ogden Expo. On the way there we saw so many sad situations, homeless people just lying on the streets. We did have the chance to share with one man who was standing at a corner where we were going to be crossing and gave him a Subway cash card so he could at least have food for the day. Once we made it to the Expo I was able to share my story with the people who were registering and checking out the booths. Then a representative for the Mayor walked about a mile and half with me and then we continued on to head towards Logan!!!

We have met some of the most incredible people! What an amazing walk this has been... I hope we have motivated and challenged a lot of people to get up and take back their lives!!!

Subway of Ogden

With Subway owner, Ina James

Subway Ogden and staff

Reporter from the paper

This man was standing on the street corner where we needed to cross the street. I gave him one of my cash cards from Subway so he could have food or the day. He was very appreciative. Thanks Subway!

As I was heading to the Ogden Expo, I saw this man just laying on the side of the sidewalk where I was walking. He had already eaten because there was a container of food almost gone right next to his face.This just breaks my heart to see these people homeless and just laying on the sidewalks.

Ogden Expo

This man stood in for the mayor and he walked with me for about 1 and a half miles. He loves his town, and we had a wonderful time sharing with each other!

Thursday, May 15th: Bountiful to Layton

2008-05-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today we started my walk in the beautiful city of Bountiful, and I met the Mayor of Bountiful, Joe Johnson, and walked with him and about 40 of the employees, along with the community of Centerville. When we arrived at the Subway we had a great time together!!! The Mayor of Farmington, Scott Harbertson, walked with me along with 2 of the city employees. We had a wonderful time sharing and then we had lunch!

After lunch I kept on walking to meet with the Mayor of Kaysville, Mayor Neka Roundy. She is an AWESOME lady and I was so glad we were able to walk together. We ended our walk at the Kaysville Subway, where I was able to share with a few of the customers. After that, I met with the Mayor of Layton, Steve Curtis, and some of his employees and we walked together to another Subway! The owner was so kind and fed the entire walking group!!!

Today was just a great day to share and meet a great bunch of new individuals who want to stay healthy and fit! I ended my walk in Layton. A wonderful day all the way around!!!

With Mayor Johnson and Centerville City Manager, Steve Thacker

The walk begins!

With Davis County Clipper Reporter Shayln Roberts

We stopped by a school and they cheered us on!
With Mayor Harbertson of Farmington

Farmington Subway
Lagoon

Kaysville--Subway and walk with Mayor Roundy

Layton Subway and walk with Mayor Curtis
Finished!!!

Wednesday, May 14th: Highland Drive to Downtown Salt Lake City

2008-05-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

Today I started walking at 5:00 am from where I left off last night, at a Subway owned by Subway of Utah's board chair, Robert. He has lost more than 100 lbs. as well. When I first met him I thought I was meeting the man I was going to walk with named Dr. Sagers, who is the principal of East High School, which just happens to be the home of the Disney's hit movie High School Musical!! I took a lot of pictures and even stood by the pink locker... it was AWESOME! Dr. Sagers has set a goal to lose 100 lbs before the school lets out for the summer, and he is on his way, because he has lost almost 90 lbs of it! He was an AWESOME gentleman to walk with and I was thankful to meet him. His vice-principal came along with us and the 5 of us headed back to East High to walk 3 and half miles together!

When we left there I went to a live interview on Fox that was really a lot of fun and then we headed over to a KJZZ TV program which was just as much fun! And then over to another radio station on 94.1 KODJ with Steve Harmon that was just over the top!

After those interviews I started walking again all the way downtown Salt Lake City, meeting several news media outlets along the way. Salt Lake City is awesome! After we ate lunch at Subway we starting heading toward our destination, and we came along a man who we knew needed to eat, so we stopped and spoke with him and gave him one of my Subway cash cards so he could eat for the day. He was very grateful.

At 3:30 p.m. I had another radio interview on 101.9 - The End with Parker. This was really a lot of fun!!! I am looking forward to what tomorrow will bring!

Our stop at the Salt Lake Tribune

Radio interview at 101.9 FM
NBC
Channel 2 News

We ate at this Subway in Salt Lake for lunch
This man is a homeless man on the sidewalk where I was walking and so I gave him one of my Subway cash cards to eat lunch at Subway.
Me and a reporter from the Deseret News newspaper
Me and a reporter from NBC

KODJ with Steve Harmon

Trolley Square

Fox 13
KJZZ TV and me
KJZZ Rep and me
Dana and me

My 5 am walk with Dr. Sagers, Mr. Y and Robert,
East High

Tuesday, May 13th: Lehi to Highland Drive in SLC

2008-05-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

Today started on the cold side, but the sky was clear and the views were gorgeous. The white topped mountains are just incredible! I walked through several communities. I started North of Lehi and ended at the Subway located on Highland, approximately 18 miles today! I stopped at every Subway along the way and met a lot of new people!!! So much fun!

I had one newspaper interview along with a photo shoot today. He was great to work with!

We finished and moved to our hotel by 6:30 PM, just in time to see one of my favorite shows called American Idol. Oh, and guess what? I walked right through Murray and guess whose home town that is? Yes, my pick for the American Idol, David Archuleta! He was in town over the weekend...I would have loved to have seen him while I was here!

Another Subway in Murray along with their staff

Stopped by the Subway located in St. Marks Hospital
My feet started getting very hot and tired, so I walked in my bare feet for about a mile. The grass on the sides of the sidewalk was nice and cold and it helped my tired feet.

Highland Subway staff and me. I stopped here, making it an 18 mile day!

Subway in Murray. That staff was busy working.
I met this man at the Murray Subway and I shared my story with him. He said he has lost 25 lbs as well with the combination of right food choices and exercise. He works at the Post Office in Murray! Great guy!

Murray

I walked to Midvale
Subway at Midvale
The Midvale staff and I
One of the customers who was visiting-- I shared my story and he will be watching Fox at 7:00 am!

Subway Sandy. Rosario is the manager, had a great visit with him. He was busy filling an order for 45 subs!!

Monday, May 12th: Provo to Lehi

2008-05-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today we woke up to wind and rain. The temperature was 43 degrees, with a predicted high of 57. We started the walk in the city of Provo and headed north. We walked through Orem, Lindon, Pleasant Grove, American Fork and Lehi. We saw the famous Roller Mills!

At about 12:00 pm I took a break and had an interview with Amy Stewart from the Desert News. We had a wonderful visit, and then it was back on the trail. The rain started again and mixed with snow! It only lasted about 20 minutes and then the weather turned beautiful. The mountains are just breathtaking. At 4:30pm we drove back to Provo to the Boys and Girls Club and I was able to share my story with them. We played games together and then Subway provided all of their meals. Fun day! I really hope the kids will take this message to heart and learn about eating right and the importance of moving more!

After our break with the kids we continued our walk to Thanksgiving point!!! A total of 20 miles today!!!

We started our walk in Provo-- rainy and cold

Central Orem Subway and staff

Boys and Girls Club Provo

North Orem Subway. Great group, lots of fun!

See the green gloves? It was so cold we stopped and bought them along the way, in the garden department for $1.00. Hey whatever works right? We have to exercise no matter what!!!Determined to persevere!

Allison, Hannah and I with Amy Stewart from the Deseret News

Pleasant Grove Subway staff and I

Welcome to Lehi! I walked from Provo to the Roller Mills!

Thanksgiving Point-- 20 miles completed!!

First day of my Utah Walk

2008-05-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

Today was an absolutely wonderful day walking in Utah. We started walking at a park in St. George where the community was welcome to join in and I walked from there to the city of Washington. The sky was perfectly clear and blue and the views were spectacular! When we were finished walking 15 miles we were picked-up and taken back to the hotel so we could freshen up for a meeting we had in Cedar City at the Main Street park! The ladies from the sassy Red Hat Society came out to greet me! These ladies were just AWESOME! It was so much fun sharing my story with them, and when we were finished with dinner and my story, most of them joined me in a walk around the park. I am so proud of them! They were a great group of ladies and I will always remember them.

Oh and they made me a honorary member and because I was under 50 years of age they presented me with a sparkly pink hat ( instead of red one) along with purple feathers for around my neck and a Utah pin. It was so much fun. Subway was generous enough to provide food for the group as well as Subway cash cards as part of a drawing. The ladies really appreciated Subway hosting this event. Thanks Subway for caring about our health!

Happy Mother's Day: Kanarraville to Cedar City

2008-05-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all of you moms out there! I have spent my Mothers Day walking Kanarraville and Cedar City; it was incredible!!! After our first 10 miles we ate lunch at the Cedar City Subway on Main Street and we met some new people along the way. I was able to share my story with them about how Subway has made such an impact in my life. The temperature was perfect, 65 degrees, a little on the windy side, but it was incredible walking weather. We walked all the way to the Subway located at exit 62 in Cedar City! The employees were excited to meet me and I was just as excited to meet them!

I also stopped at the Beaver Subway; what a great groups of girls and spectacular mountain views!

I also visited the Fillmore Subway where the manager of the resaurant, Sara Robison, has lost 60 lbs eating Subway. She has to lose weight because she was in a 4-wheeler accident and had a serious back injury, and the doctor told her to lose weight or possibly lose her legs. She is doing better since losing the weight but she needs to lose 150 lbs. She is going to continue eating Subway. She can’t exercise yet until her back gets better but she is not going to quit.

It has been a great day! Tomorrow I will be walking from Provo all the way to Lehi-- 20 miles!!

First stop: Kanarraville

Washington city

A lady I met during a rest room stop who she loved our T-Shirts, so I shared my story with her.

A young man who overheard me speaking with the lady and I told him my story

Beaver Subway staff and I

Hello Cedar City!

Cedar City Subway at Exit 62

Main Street Cedar City Subway

Fillmore Subway and staff

Here is the picture of Sara and me...from Fillmore visit!

Subway Saint George

Red Cliffs Subway staff and me

Utah Mountains!!!

2008-05-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

I have made it to Utah!

2008-05-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

I left my home in cape coral Florida at 7:30am and landed in Salt lake city Utah at 12:30 Mountain time! The trip went very smooth... If you have never seen this city before the views are breath taking!... The city is surrounded by incredible white capped Mountains..I mean big Mountains...AWESOME! I am in the car headed to the South Border to a city called Washington. This is where I will stay tonight and then start walking in the morning in Washington and St. George....It's so Exciting!!!

Leaving on Friday!

2008-05-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I am writing you from my car as I drive back to Florida from the Tennessee Mountains! I have met so many new people and I have had a wonderful visit there, but I am ready to walk the state of Utah...Why?.. Because the Ladies of Tennessee cook everything homemade and they show you how much they love you by cooking for you!!!..so I am ready to get back to eating my Subway sandwiches and walking every day!...Consistency is the key!...See you all soon!
Debra

Anticipation

2008-05-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

I finally get to walk out West in the incredibly breathtaking state of Utah. I was so excited about the walk when Subway of Utah asked me to come out, that I ordered the state magazine and I had forgotten just how beautiful Utah is. I visited Utah in 1996, over 12 years ago. I have seen Zion National Park and Canyonlands National Park - I have even visited Salt Lake... but I had forgotten about the mountain views! Gorgeous!

This "Border to Border" Utah walk will be a challenge in several "different" ways for me compared to living and walking in Florida.
1. Utah does not have high humidity like Florida does - so the dry heat will be a major change. I will need to stay hydrated and wear a lot of moisturizer!
2. Utah's elevation can reach up to 4000 feet above sea level; where I live, I am at sea level. The higher the elevation, the lower the oxygen.
3. Utah has the desert, Florida has the palm trees... 2 different worlds!

The one thing we all have in common is the need to get fit and stay healthy! I personally want to thank Subway for seeing the vision and for having a heart to get behind my efforts to take my life back. Now with Subway's help I want to encourage others to put down the fork and put on their walking shoes! Please start taking the steps that are necessary to take back your life!!

I am looking forward to walking in the cities and communities of Utah! I hope that you will check this blog often as I walk from "Border to Border." Come walk with me when I'm in your city!

Border To Border - Introduction

2008-04-30T12:11:00.000-07:00

To my new friends in Utah!

I wanted to just take a moment and introduce myself to you! I am so excited about walking your state from "Border to Border!"

This past year my life has radically changed due to walking and making the right food choices. Last Summer I found myself fat, fed up and desperate to take back my life. I was 216 lbs and a size 22 (with elastic) and I felt hopeless to lose my weight. My husband looked at me and said, "Debra - you either take your life back or it will be taken from you!" I knew he was right.

I felt like I needed to walk to Dandridge, Tennessee. An 874 mile walk!! I tried to make every excuse as to why I couldn't do that, but I knew it was what I needed to do... I just had to put one foot in front of the other.

I took off walking and 66 days later I arrived in Dandridge, Tennessee in a size 16! I am size 14 now and on my way into a 12!

Right before I left on my walk, I decided I needed to eat at Subway each day along my route, because I knew I needed a healthy alternative to traditional fast food. So I wrote one letter to Subway and told them about what I was going to do. I said, "I need 274 sandwiches! Can you help me?!" I was thrilled when they told me YES! They said they wanted to help me succeed in this goal.

For me, the combination of walking + Subway = Weight loss ... 40 lbs. of it!

Since my "Desperate to Dandridge" walk last summer, I have participated in additional regional walks around the country with several more planned for the rest of this year. In May, I will be in UTAH sharing my story from southern to norther border.

I hope you can have lunch with me at Subway or even walk with me when I walk the cities of Utah from "Border to Border." Please check back often for dates, times and events that I will be involved with in YOUR city.