The Biggest Loser: Amanda or Liz?

Week 12 at "The Biggest Loser" requested ranch on the side as the four finalists returned home for 60 days in preparation for a final weigh-in. All four are already winners, but only three get a chance at the $250,000 prize. Only personality will dictate who will attract the flurry of speaking engagements and product endorsements that sometimes follow. Will it be Danny? But first, let's talk 26.2 miles.

Over two months at home Liz, Danny, Rudy and Amanda lost weight Biggest Loser-style -- training for a marathon. Of course this was coming -- if Season 7's Ron could hobble across the finish line, anything is possible. Read on for a last chance soak in Season 8 family-reunion emotion, the pitfalls of training solo and a marathon fueled by a delicious baked potato prepared by the hot Aussie chef, Curtis Stone.

Post-It Inspiration. Biggest Loser casts for weight, spirit, looks and heart. Scrawl these Week 12 reflections on Post-Its and tack them up around your house for motivation.

• "Every time that I thought that it was impossible, I had to take that extra step. Because that's what I never did before," said Amanda.
• "You have a right to your feelings. You shouldn't have to just eat them," said Rudy's wife.
• "You ask for help," Bob told Liz.
• "Stop at nothing to get what you want. Feel the fear, move through it, do it anyway ... It's never too late," Jillian said to Danny.

At-Home Isn't Easy. Rudy has a new baby, a pre-schooler, a wife and a 12-hour job. When he tries to leave the house for a workout, his oldest begs him to stay. Not exactly a supportive formula for Biggest Loser weight loss, but that's his reality shared on TV for all to see. Yet with all the pressure, Rudy figured out a way to eat right and keep moving, and so can you. Remember what Jillian said, "no excuses."

Remember Erinn? At the Season 7 finale, America had to pick between Amanda and 239-pound Erinn for a spot on Season 8. The whole scene was cruel, like America walked into some middle school popularity contest. Amanda won, but it turns out Erinn has been losing weight, too. She made an appearance this week, and after a jumpstart at the Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge, Erinn is down an impressive 42 pounds. If Biggest Loser producers picked up her tab, then we can all feel better.

Stop the Butter and Sour Cream. Chef Curtis Stone visited Danny at home to deliver a healthy, at-home cooking class. He had Danny's family chopping fresh veggies and seasoning turkey to top off a scooped-out baked potato. Another good tip, always have non-fat yogurt or cottage cheese and a dash of fresh parmesan on hand so you can consistently skip the chili, cheese and sour cream. This recipe isn't posted yet, but the Biggest Loser reunion special recently featured this melt-in-your-mouth fennel and clam soup.

Who Ran The Entire Marathon? Old bones versus young bones didn't have a chance in this race. Danny and Liz push together past through their aching knees and Danny's sore hip, finally finishing at 6:55:22. But it was the biggest guy, Rudy, who never stopped jogging. He finished in 5:12:41, with Amanda just behind at 5:28:25. Season 7's immunity queen, Tara Costa, kept popping up to run a bit with contestants. She's looking slim, strong and happy.

After the marathon, it was time for the final weigh-in. Top two are guaranteed a finale slot, while the pair dropping below the yellow line remain at the mercy of America's vote. Once again, the guys made losing weight look easy. Rudy dropped 43 pounds to land at 253. Danny shed an incredible 59 pounds, nearly a pound a day for a 20.49 percent loss. Liz and Amanda both lost 16 pounds and await America's vote. Polls are open at NBC through 3:00 pm ET today.

This is the season of second chances -- will you give Amanda her second chance or vote for Liz, the oldest female ever to make it to the final four? Realistically, it's Danny and Rudy's finale, they've lost 46 and 42 percent, respectively. Way more than Amanda at 32 percent and Liz at 31 percent.

See you next week for the live finale weigh-in at 8/7c. Let's hope the winner isn't dehydrated.