This week competitors went home for one week. The visit became more challenging though when a cookie temptation and a half-marathon challenge were announced.
The Biggest Loser, "711"
The night started in the elimination room. The black team joined the blue team and learned that everyone would be going home for the week. All of the contestants were worried about how going home can affect their weight loss.
Each homecoming was very emotional, and the families were shocked to see what their ranch member now looks like. Ron and Mike’s return was especially emotional because Michael’s brother is still so heavy and said he felt left out.
Right after returning home everyone received a canister full of sugar cookies with The Biggest Loser logo on it. There was also a DVD inside letting them know there will be a challenge at home – a half marathon. All of the contestants panicked when they learned they would be running 13 miles. They also learned that for every cookie they eat they can add five minutes to the time of the player of their choice. The prize for this was $10,000.
Tara felt the most threatened by the challenge, and her fear seemed to be correct because most of the other players told their families that she is their biggest problem. Sione also knew that people would be after him.
Aubrey had no problem diving in to several cookies. Laura, Ron and Cathy also chose not to eat. Helen’s family pressured her in to eating one.
The marathon was a personal challenge for almost everyone. Tara and Sione appeared to have no problem, but several of the contestants started hurting and cramping around mile five. Sione eventually ran in to a problem about 200 yards from the finish line. His quad cramped up, and he could barely walk.
The contestants finishing times were: Tara – 2:24:19, Sione – 2:25:57, Helen – 2:49:19, Aubrey – 2:53:02, Cathy – 3:15:21, Mike – 3:19:38, Laura – 3:24:00, Felipe – 3:24:05 and Kristin -3:43:45. Ron completed four miles in 1:52:34.
At home the contestants had to train themselves. Kristin was the trainer for herself, her mom and her friends. Laura pushed her cardio. Aubrey had to learn to fit her workout schedule in to the schedule of her five children. Many of the contestants had trouble eating out. Ron and Mike did well fighting an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, and Sione did well fighting the temptation to eat his favorite food – fried calamari. All three were impressed and happy with their choices. Also, Helen decided to make her husband an incredible, yet healthy meal at home.
During her trip home Aubrey talked to her dad about his necessary weight loss. Her father is around 500 pounds, and he understands that he has really let himself go. Aubrey felt like he didn’t get the importance, and she begged him to change.
Back at the ranch the group learned that Sione and Tara were the fastest. No one penalized Sione, but Helen penalized Tara, leaving Sione with the $10,000.
At the weigh the black team lost 2.35 percent (34 pounds). Mike lost eight pounds, Laura lost six pounds, Tara lost two pounds, Sione lost four pounds, Felipe lost seven pounds and Helen lost seven pounds.
The blue team lost 1.34 percent (15 pounds). Aubrey lost five pounds, Ron lost ten pounds and Cathy lost one pound. Kristin gained one pound and was very confused.
Before elimination Cathy and Aubrey fount to go so that Kristin could stay. Aubrey didn’t want Cathy to leave her daughter, but Cathy felt she was strong enough to go home.
Kristin broke down during elimination but decided to honor her mother’s wishes to go home. Cathy was unanimously sent home.
