Sara Rue

Seven months ago, actress Sara Rue couldn't run a mile, but this past Sunday she crossed the finish line of her first half marathon. The San Luis Obispo City to Sea half marathon is just one of many milestones that Sara hit this year: the actress lost an amazing 50 pounds on the Jenny Craig system and is also planning her upcoming nuptials.

After finishing the race at two hours and 27 minutes, Sara told People that running in the race was empowering: "I feel so happy! It's awesome! Now I understand what people have been saying about having a runner's high. I'm in the best shape of my life." Sara trained for the race over the Summer with her personal trainer Christopher Ross Lane, who ran alongside her for the entirety of the half marathon — talk about motivation. Tweeting after the race, Sara says she took an ice bath and that running commando is "the only way to go" — it seems that Sara forgot her underwear on race day!

If there is something you want to do, whether it's drop 10 pounds or run a marathon, I think that Sara's story is a great source of inspiration. Congrats to you, Sara!

Photos courtesy of Jenny Craig

Since many of you are working hard to look your best on your wedding day, I thought I'd share actress Sara Rue's amazing transformation with you. Sara — who is newly engaged — became a Jenny Craig spokesperson back in December, and since starting the program she has lost 40 pounds. Given her new approach to food and the payoff of a fabulous new bod, now seemed like the perfect time for Sara to start shopping for the dress she'll be wearing on her big day. Sara blogged this about reaching such an incredible milestone:

"I remember when I first started this process. 40 pounds seemed so far away and losing it seemed practically unattainable. . . . I was really in a bad place where my relationship with food was so out of control that I really wasn’t sure I would ever be able to get it together. And now here I am: five months later, 40 pounds lighter, and most importantly, optimistic and empowered. I still have more to go, but now it’s not 'if' I can do it, it’s just a matter of 'how long it will take.'

While Sara was lucky enough to get the services of well-known bridal consultant Mark Ingram to help her shop for dresses, we've got Fab's expert eye here to help you with all of your wedding dress needs.

New brides, pay attention! All the Sugar sites will be bringing you tips for the big day. But we want to hear what you've been doing to stay in shape too. Head over to the FitSugar Community and post your wedding workout tips, or, if you're already hitched, how did you get healthy for your big day?

Valerie Bertinelli isn't the only celeb benefiting from the Jenny Craig weight loss system; actress Sara Rue is down 30 pounds in just 12 weeks! Sara — a spokesperson for Jenny Craig — told People Magazine that her goal is to lose 10 more. “The changing of your mind is often the hardest part. Now that I’ve conquered that, I’m ready for more!”

Sara, who's recently engaged, says weight has always been an issue for her, and was even told that she lost an acting role because of her size. Hearing that news was a blow, and it gave Sara the determination to take back her life. Being on the program has taught her the importance of eating healthy and working out. These days each meal is a balance of the right amount of protein, carbs, fats, fruit, and "lots and lots of veggies."

“The key has been portion control, which has totally helped me not slip up, and has given me the necessary balance to feel good. I’m comfortable with this program, because it’s not a diet –- it’s a lifestyle change.”

Besides Sara, celebs like Valerie Bertinelli, Jason Alexander, and Nicole Sullivan have all found success on this program. I'm curious if any of you have tried it, and what your thoughts are. Please share them with me in the comments section below . . .