Onetime kidnapping and abuse victim reveals her strength in completing world-record, 3,762-mile triathlon

Norma Bastidas, who was kidnapped as a teen in Mexico and sexually abused, has become a strong, successful actress, athlete, business woman and mother in Canada. Recently she completed a two-month swim, bike and run journey through the Caribbean, Mexico and the United States to raise awareness about human trafficking. My story about Bastidas' quest and its physical and mental challenges for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/10994589/endurance-sports-norma-bastidas-mega-triathlon-set-record-worthy-cause

For Raiders' LaMarr Woodley, end is a new beginning

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: LaMarr Woodley is excited by new challenge with Raiders to transition from outside linebacker to defensive end. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/End-is-a-New-Beginning-for-Raiders-Woodley-261099591.html

Ian Williams motivated to regain nose tackle position

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Nose tackle Ian Williams, injured in Game 2 last season, has bounced back before and can do it again. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Nose-Tackle-Williams-Hopes-to-Rebound-Once-Again-261103741.html

Lively competition at cornerback expected in 49ers camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The competition at cornerback for the 49ers includes a touted rookie, a veteran who missed all of 2013, a former Viking and a speedy second-year special teams ace. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Start-of-49ers-OTAs-Signals-Start-to-Competition-at-Cornerback-260943221.html

Ausberry could give Raiders a boost at tight end

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end David Ausberry missed the entire 2013 season with a shoulder injury, but his return and pairing with Mychal Rivera could give the Raiders a nice 1-2 combination at the position. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Ausberrys-Return-Could-be-Big-For-Raiders-260935101.html

49ers receiving corps morphs from weak to peak

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: For a while in 2013, Colin Kaepernick trusted Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis ... and no one else. Now, the 49ers group of receivers is ranked among the best in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Receivers-Now-Rank-Among-Best-in-NFL-260776051.html

Is Raiders' confidence in Matt Schaub delusional?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Are the Raiders and their fans deluding themselves by thinking that Matt Schaub can make a successful comeback in Oakland? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Schaub-Confident-He-Can-Succeed-With-Raiders-260770101.html

Baalke dismisses reports he's trying to trade James

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers GM Trent Baalke refutes reports that the team is trying to trade LaMichael James. And, in fact, he may be too valuable to part with ... for the time being. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/James-May-be-Too-Valuable-to-Trade-260666931.html

Raiders' "Jelly Bean" Ellis could be a fourth-round gem

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders' draft has been consistently applauded, and fourth-round pick Justin "Jelly Bean" Ellis of Louisiana Tech is one of the reasons why. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Unheralded-Ellis-Could-Make-Impact-for-Raiders-260416581.html

Too slow? Too short? 49ers' Borland doesn't care

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Wisconsin All-America linebacker Chris Borland discounts all the critics who say he'll be overmatched in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Borland-Eager-to-Prove-His-Worth-to-49ers-260420391.html

Can just-signed receiver Greg Little help the Raiders?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In three seasons with Cleveland, Greg Little made some terrific plays. He also dropped 31 passes. Can the wideout make improvements in Oakland? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Little-Needs-to-Take-Big-Steps-to-Help-Raiders-260269321.html

49ers' Ward begins transition to cornerback this week

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers' No. 1 draft choice Jimmie Ward will begin working out at cornerback this weekend when San Francisco holds its three-day rookie minicamp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Jimmie-Ward-Eager-for-Debut-at-Rookie-Camp-260275091.html

Ex-Stanford standout LB Skov trying to make 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Shayne Skov, who once played for Jim Harbaugh and Vic Fangio at Stanford, says he'll do everything he can to make the 49ers as an undrafted free-agent linebacker. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Skov-Faces-Uphill-Battle-to-Make-49ers-Roster-260112891.html

Raiders' Carr looks good ... but so did Wilson in 2013

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr looked good in Raiders' minicamp this past weekend, but so did last year's drafted rookie QB, Tyler Wilson. So fans should control their enthusiasm at this point. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-Looks-Good-But-Its-Very-Early-259947031.html

Marcus Martin could be 49ers' center as a rookie

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former USC center Marcus Martin, taken in the third round, could challenge Daniel Kilgore for the starting job at center in 2014. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Martin-Could-Start-at-Center-as-a-Rookie-259953981.html

After long layoff, U.S. women's water polo team reunites for Riverside tournament and a very busy summer

Kami Craig has played in two Olympics for the U.S., so she's eager to get back together with longtime teammates, and meet new ones, on the U.S. women's water polo team. Craig and TeamUSA host an international tournament this week, then will head out for a busy summer across the globe. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/May/19/Marco-Polo-US-Water-Polo-Team-Reunites-In-Riverside

Fifth book completed: A look at Tiger Woods' breakthrough, record-setting victory at the Masters in 1997

I just completed my fifth nonfiction sports book for young readers, which will be published later in 2014. The new book, part of a series about great breakthrough sports performances, is about 21-year-old Tiger Woods' 12-stroke, 18-under-par victory at the Masters in 1997. It's a day-by-day story of that April week at Augusta in 1997, from pre-tournament predictions through practice rounds to his Sunday celebration, and beyond. My previous book topics: the history of University of Oregon football, girls' basketball stars and fundamentals, a biography of Henry Aaron (all published) and Great Moments in Olympic Basketball (soon to be released).

Raiders say D.J. Hayden has made big strides

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Reggie McKenzie's draft class of 2013 may prove to be better than previously believed if D.J. Hayden blossoms at cornerback in 2014. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Haydens-Success-Would-Shine-on-McKenzie-259798541.html

"The Hall" is a heavyweight tribute to baseball's history

A new book published by the Baseball Hall of Fame, "The Hall: A Celebration of Baseball's Greats," is a giant compilation of text and photos. The book delivers its biggest hits with photos and stories about often-overlooked major league and Negro leagues stars of the early 20th century. My book review for U-T San Diego: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/may/18/tp-the-hall-a-heavy-home-run/

A dynamic duel for 49ers: Lattimore vs. Hyde

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: One of the most interesting competitions this spring and summer will be between talented young running backs Carlos Hyde and Marcus Lattimore. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hyde-Lattimore-Will-Provide-a-Dynamic-Duel-259528531.html

Raiders' draftee Dowling has clouds over big upside

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jonathan Dowling is a big-hitting safety from Western Kentucky who has been prone to mistakes.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Safety-Dowling-Wasnt-a-Safe-Pick--259526791.html

Will Johnson, Ellington allow 49ers to let Crabtree go?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trade for Stevie Johnson and draft of Bruce Ellington gives 49ers a more complete group of receivers, and could allow 49ers to let Crabtree walk after contract expires in 2014. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Crabtree-Iupati-Futures-With-49ers-Now-More-Cloudy-259390141.html

Raiders now have deep group of linebackers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Khalil Mack added to a returning starting three -- with several reserves with starting experience -- the Raiders' once-thin linebacking corps is looking much deeper. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Now-Have-a-Full-House-at-Linebacker-259384941.html

First Wings for Life World Run produced an event like never before, with an ever-moving finish line

The first Wings For Life World Run featured thousands of runners on more than 30 courses all over the globe all racing concurrently -- while trying to stay ahead of a chase car. The event raised millions for spinal-cord injury research and already a second annual event has been planned for 2015. My story for ESPN Endurance. http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/10925230/endurance-sports-wings-life-relay-takes-spinal-cord-fundraising-global

Undrafted QB Kory Faulkner will try to make 49ers roster

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Southern Illinois Kory Faulkner, a three-year starter signed by San Francisco as an undrafted free agent, caught the eye of head coach Jim Harbaugh when he was at another player's pro day before the draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Undrafted-Rookie-Faulkner-to-Battle-for-Backup-QB-Job-259230041.html

Often-overshadowed Mack eager to prove himself

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jadeveon Clowney was the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, but the Raiders took Khalil Mack at No. 5, and he's driven to prove he was the best player. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Macks-Attitude-May-Drive-Him-to-Excel-With-Raiders-259224541.html

Dontae Johnson, 49ers' 4th-round pick, comes with smarts

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Fourth-round 49ers' pick Dontae Johnson is a bigger-than-average corner who also played safety at N.C. State, and graduated with a double major. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hope-to-Score-With-Fourth-Round-Cornerback-259072611.html

Raiders hoping late-round CBs pay off

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerbacks Keith McGill and T.J. Carrie have the potential to pay off for Raiders on special teams in first season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Pair-of-Rookie-Corners-May-Play-Special-Roles-for-Raiders-259068641.html

49ers improve WR group with trade, draft

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The trade for Stevie Johnson and draft of Bruce Ellington on Day 3 ensure an upgrade of the receiving corps for the 49ers -- without using Nos. 1 or 2 picks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Improve-Receiving-Corps-Without-Using-Top-Pick-258903821.html

For a change, Raiders earning praise for draft

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After years of questionable drafts, the Raiders are earning praise. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/This-Time-Raiders-Draft-is-Earning-Top-Grades-258902641.html

"Hardheaded" 49ers take like-minded players on Day 2

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: A "violent" running back and overachieving linebacker join the Niners on Day 2 of the draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Hardheaded-49ers-Land-Players-to-Fit-Team-Personality-258755781.html

In Days 1-2 of draft, Raiders keep to their script

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Instead of drafting for needs in Rounds 1-3, the Raiders take the best talent available. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Stay-True-to-Script-258757781.html

Niners may be major players on Day 2 of NFL Draft

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Going into Rounds 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft, the 49ers have five picks, making them potential major players on Day 2. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Should-be-Major-Players-on-Day-2-of-Draft-258634521.html

Will Raiders now go for a QB in Rounds 2 and 3?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After wrapping up linebacker Khalil Mack in Round 1, the Raiders now go into Rounds 2-3 with the possibility of picking up a quarterback for the future. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/In-Round-2-Raiders-Can-Address-Needs-for-Now-or-Later-258629351.html

Surprise! It's safety first for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Though everyone believed the 49ers would take a wide receiver or cornerback with their first-round pick, they took safety Jimmie Ward instead. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Surprising-49ers-Draft-a-Safety-258576381.html

Raiders stay put, take Khalil Mack at No. 5

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland GM Reggie McKenzie decided to keep the No. 5 overall pick and use it on outside linebacker Khalil Mack in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night, adding some major-league talent to the Raiders defense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Mack-Adds-Spark-to-Raiders-Pass-Rush-258564021.html

49ers need to go all in with WRs, CBs Rounds 1-3

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners should use four of their six picks in top three rounds to take two wide receivers and two cornerbacks. It's time to load up. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Should-Draft-Multiple-WRs-CBs-in-First-Three-Rounds-258303721.html

Raiders should take best WR with first-round pick

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The smokescreens will disappear Thursday during the first round of the NFL draft, and Raiders' fans will finally know what GM Reggie McKenzie will do. What he should do: take Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Best-Scenario-Watkins-or-Evans-258296481.html

Running rim-to-rim at the Grand Canyon -- or rim-to-rim-to-rim -- is a challenge more and more runners are doing. While those runners revere the experience, their growing number is creating problems that might soon be addressed.

To hike the Grand Canyon is a challenging, beautiful experience. To run from one rim of the canyon to another -- and sometimes back -- is almost a super-human effort that requires ultra fitness and the ability to withstand extreme conditions. Yet die-hard trail runners love the test and the chance to see more of the canyon than most visitors ever do. Still, the growing number of runners in the canyon is leading to some problems that will have to be addressed. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/10870741/endurance-sports-grand-canyon-runs-beautiful-spiritual-problematic

After winning world championship in 2013, blind long jumper Lex Gillette is using 2014 as a launching pad toward a fourth Paralympics

Lex Gillette has won silver medals in the long jump at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Paralympics. Now Gillette, who won gold at the 2013 World Championships, is using 2014 to refine his skills in a bid for making a fourth U.S. Paralympic team in 2016. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/May/06/Lex-Gillette-soars-ahead

On draft eve, Baalke-Harbaugh combo again looks strong

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Those reports of a rift between 49ers GM Trent Baalke and head coach Jim Harbaugh now seem overblown as the draft nears. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Draft-Approaching-Baalke-Harbaugh-Team-Seems-Fine-258130691.html

Reports: McKenzie contacting teams about No. 5 pick

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the Raiders aren't wowed by a player at No. 5 in Thursday's first round, they'll trade out of that spot, reports say. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Report-McKenzie-Wide-Open-About-Trading-No-5-Pick-258125131.html

Allison Jones is retiring from skiing, but not from being an athlete; her next stop is the 2016 Paralympics as a cyclist, which would be her eighth Paralympics

Allison Jones announced her retirement from skiing after winning a bronze medal at the Sochi Paralympics. Now, she's gearing up for the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro. She hopes to cycle in her fourth Summer Paralympics. That would give her eight, total. Then, she'll retire as an athlete. My story for TeamUSA.org, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic website. http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/May/05/For-retirement-Allison-Jones-goes-for-another-Games

Forging business connections through pro sports and golf is a winning formula for many longtime San Diego companies

Many San Diego companies believe strongly in connecting with clients and potential business partners through golf and professional sports, be it a round of golf, tickets to Chargers games or a night at Petco Park in a luxury suite. My story for U-T San Diego's Business to Business (B2B) section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/may/05/tp-perfect-pitches/

Niners may be targeting small-school cornerback

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Lindenwood University cornerback Pierre Desir has been linked by some to 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-May-Have-Eyes-on-Small-School-Cornerback-257954221.html

Kilgore not worried about 49ers drafting a center

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Daniel Kilgore is ready for the challenge of becoming the  team's No. 1 center -- even if the Niners draft one. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kilgore-Not-Worrying-About-49ers-Drafting-a-Center-257684391.html

McKenzie says nothing (and everything) about draft

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Trying to get specific information from Reggie McKenzie's pre-draft media session was impossible, yet one message came through: He's open to just about anything. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McKenzie-Says-Everything-While-Saying-Nothing-257679791.html

Okoye is a wild card for 49ers on defensive line

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If Lawrence Okoye has learned his lessons, he may be a big asset for 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Okoye-Gives-49ers-a-Wild-Card-257515591.html

Raiders go into draft much stronger at cornerback

Daily Raiders blog at NBC Bay Area website: With ex-49ers Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers, the Raiders don't need to use a high pick this year on a cornerback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Much-Stronger-at-Cornerback-257509331.html