Longtime two-sport Paralympian Allison Jones settling into being "just" a cyclist and focusing on 2016 Games in Rio

Allison Jones has been to seven Paralympics as a medal-winning downhill skier and track cyclist. But she's now retired from competitive skiing to focus totally on cycling and making the team for Rio de Janeiro in 2016. My story on Jones for TeamUSA.org, the website for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/October/31/One-track-mind-Allison-Jones-focusing-on-cycling

Can depleted Rams stay with 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rams, already beaten by 49ers once this year, now come into San Francisco depleted by injuries. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Face-Slumping-Injured-Rams-281073672.html

Sherman: Seahawks will be ready for Carr this time

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Star cornerback Richard Sherman has essentially dared Derek Carr to challenge him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Seahawks-Say-Theyll-be-Ready-for-Carr-This-Time-281069622.html

Niners have gotten much healthier over bye week

Daily 49ers blog at NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Patrick Willis, guard Mike Iupati lead group of wounded 49ers who should be ready to play Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Key-Players-Will-be-Back-for-49ers-vs-Rams-280937322.html

Raiders protecting Carr from sacks, pounding

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders are 0-7, but they have done a good job in one area: protecting rookie QB Derek Carr. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Have-Done-Nice-Job-Protecting-Carr-280932382.html

First "Bing Crosby Season" marks the return of fall racing to Del Mar

The Hollywood style of the 1930s, '40s and '50s will be a focal point of the new Bing Crosby Season at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club this November. It will be the first fall meet at Del Mar since the 1960s. My story for DiscoverSD, a publication of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.discoversd.com/news/2014/oct/30/del-mar-fall-racing-bing-crosby/

Lattimore begins practicing with team this week

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marcus Lattimore will start practicing with the team Wednesday and could be activated within 2-3 weeks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lattimore-Ready-for-Long-Awaited-Opportunity-280653842.html

Winless Raiders at least have one of best rookie classes

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In midseason grading, the Raiders' rookie class is ranked No. 2 in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-Mack-and-Rookie-Class-Provide-Some-Hope-280650042.html

Over the past two years, wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden has been unbeatable. Now she's going for the "Tatyana Slam" in marathons ... times two

If Tatyana McFadden wins the New York Marathon this coming weekend, it will be her eighth straight victory in the world's most prestigious races: Boston, London, Chicago and New York. Last year, she swept all four. Now she's on the verge of doing it again. My story for ESPN.com: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/11772889/endurance-sports-tatyana-mcfadden-looking-another-marathon-grand-slam

It's time for 49ers offensive line to lead the way

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's time for Niners offensive line to lead the way into second half after some extra practice time over bye week. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Offensive-Line-Needs-to-Lead-the-Way-280524292.html

Rookie Khalil Mack quietly is having a great season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Khalil Mack hasn't had a sack yet, but he ranks No. 1 in the NFL among all linebackers against the run. Even opponents are noticing. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Quietly-Raiders-Mack-is-Becoming-a-Difference-Maker-280520862.html

Raiders stumble in Cleveland to fall to 0-7

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Two key turnovers in the second half help seal fate in Oakland's defeat in Cleveland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Fumble-and-Stumble-to-0-7-280471612.html

So far, 49ers rookie RB Hyde has yet to break out

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers had high hopes for rookie RB Carlos Hyde this year, but he's averaging just 2.7 yards per carry since a nice debut in Dallas in Game 1. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hyde-Still-Seeking-Breakout-Game-280311312.html

Will Raiders' first victory of 2014 come in Ohio?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Browns may be vulnerable to the 0-6 Raiders, but then again ... maybe not. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hope-Victory-No-1-is-in-Ohio-280307142.html

When Lisa Hallett's husband was killed in Afghanistan, the only way she found she could cope was by running. Five years later, she's an Ironman triathlete and marathoner

Lisa Hallett was left with three small children in 2009 when her husband was killed in Afghanistan. To cope, she'd go on long runs to calm her nerves and clear her thoughts. Eventually she did marathons and became a triathlete, just completing the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. Along the way, too, she's helped thousands of other military families who have lost loved ones with an organization she co-founded called Wear Blue: Run to Remember. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/11744464/endurance-sports-running-healing-power-army-widow-lisa-hallett-others

Second-half schedule favors 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: When the 49ers come out of their bye week, they'll face what appears to be an easier schedule over the final nine games. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Second-Half-Schedule-Appears-Softer-280188862.html

Raiders getting very little out of tight ends

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2013, Mychal Rivera proved to be a solid pass-catching tight end. This year, not so much. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Need-More-Production-From-Rivera-280185082.html

Niners stumbled, but many believe they'll be fine

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Broncos walked all over the 49ers, but many believe the Niners will find their rhythm with influx of talent over second half of season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Despite-Loss-in-Denver-49ers-May-be-Primed-for-Strong-Second-Half-280052802.html

Miller time is usually winning time for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Three times this season, fullback Bruce Miller has spent most of a game on the sidelines. Three times, the 49ers have lost. Coincidence? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Usually-Suffer-in-Milers-Absence-279914392.html

Next man up at safety for Raiders is Brandian Ross

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: First, Tyvon Branch went down. Then, Usama Young. Now the Raiders are turning to a familiar face at safety: Brandian Ross. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Safety-Net-at-Safety-is-Ross-279918022.html

With Kilgore down, Marcus Martin gets chance to step up

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Third-round draft pick Marcus Martin, who returned to practice last week for the first time since an injury in August, will get a chance to fill the gap left by injured center Daniel Kilgore. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Martin-Back-to-49ers-Just-in-Time-279787872.html

Will Raiders EVER win a football game?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders are 0-6, yet face the fact that the toughest part of their schedule is ahead, not behind. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Now-Comes-the-Hard-Part-for-Winless-Raiders-279784552.html

Niners buried in Broncos' avalanche in Denver

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco is fortunate that wipeout loss in Denver, as bad as it was, only counts for one in the loss column. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Buried-by-Broncos-Scoring-Avalanche-279734702.html

Raiders' hopes smashed by Cardinals

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland had hoped to build off its narrow loss to Chargers, but ran into Arizona. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Have-Hope-but-No-Victories-279723872.html

Niners are underdogs for a reason against Broncos

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Denver is a 7-point favorite for Sunday night's game vs. the 49ers, and the reasons are obvious. At the same time, the Niners are dangerous right now. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Face-Toughest-Test-vs-Broncos-279570042.html

Raiders' only chance vs. Cards may be to attack cornerbacks

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Arizona is a far better team than Oakland and should win Sunday. The Raiders only hope may be to protect Derek Carr and allow him to target a pair of shaky cornerbacks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-May-See-Holes-in-Cardinals-Coverage-279564572.html

Fifty years ago, Bob Schul won the only gold medal ever by an American in the 5,000 meters to cap a remarkable undefeated 1964 season

    

In the Olympic 5,000 meters at Tokyo in 1964, American Bob Schul was boxed in at the start of the final lap, then broke outside and surged to the front, picking off the top runners in the world, one by one, to win the gold medal. It's the only gold ever won by a U.S. runner in the event, and the victory capped an amazing season by Schul -- which has long been overlooked. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/11707261/endurance-sports-gold-medal-capped-bob-schul-amazing-1964-track-season

How can limping 49ers' D hope to stop Broncos?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers defense has been strong this season, but now faces the challenge of stopping Peyton Manning and the Broncos with several key players missing, including Patrick Willis. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Limping-but-Effective-49ers-Defense-Will-be-Challenged-279434092.html

Carr was good ... but can he do it again?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr had a breakout game in close loss to the Chargers, but can he have the same type of performance two games in a row? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-279428272.html

Classifications now set for Paralympic debut of triathlon at Rio, leaving athletes both eager and sad for athletes left out

Six medals will be offered in the debut of triathlon at the Paralympics at Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and the athletes in the approved classifications are excited and eager for their opportunity. At the same time, they're sad to see the athletes in non-included classifications not get the same opportunities. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2014/October/15/With-Paralympic-classes-set-triathletes-eager-for-shot-at-Rio

San Diego's professional & amateur cooks talk about their favorite kitchen gadgets and tools

For one cooking school chef, it's her collection of mortars and pestles; for another chef, it's chopsticks. To those who cook for fun and for pay, there's a kitchen gadget or tool that makes the process a little more enjoyable. My story for U-T San Diego's Food section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/14/cooks-favorite-kitchen-gadgets/

Apolo Ohno impressive in completing Ironman in Hawaii

Former Winter Olympic standout Apolo Ohno had never completed a full Ironman race until Saturday, when he finished the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii in 9 hours, 52 minutes. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/blog/endurance/post/_/id/2410/apolo-ohno-completes-his-ironman-journey

Baalke's role is huge in 49ers' surge

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The players brought in by GM Trent Baalke, veterans and rookies, are coming up big for the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Baalke-Deserves-Credit-for-49ers-Depth-279145631.html

Future is now for Raiders' WR Holmes

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Andre Holmes seems to have emerged as a go-to receiver in recent two games. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Holmes-Emerging-as-Receiving-Threat-279141491.html

Niners rally to overcome Rams on Monday night

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners' running game was stymied, so S.F. went to the air to topple Rams 31-17. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Storm-Back-to-Beat-Rams-279087431.html

Raiders offense and Carr thrive in Sparano's debut as coach

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Oakland offense comes alive vs. the Chargers as new head coach Tony Sparano looks for more explosive plays. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Carr-Thrive-in-More-Wide-Open-Approach-279014961.html

Raiders lose but show new life under Sparano

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Under new coach Tony Sparano, the Raiders ran the ball with authority, played stronger defense and unleashed rookie QB Derek Carr in a late loss to the Chargers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Outcome-is-Same-but-Raiders-Arent-278957881.html

Rams defense looks vulnerable to Gore & Co.

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the offensive line opening holes and Frank Gore picking up big yards, the St. Louis Rams' suspect run defense could be in trouble Monday night. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Rams-Defense-Appears-Vulnerable-to-49ers-278796081.html

Will McFadden, Jones-Drew finally get on track?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With offensive line coach Tony Sparno taking over the Raiders now, expect Oakland to finally commit to the run. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hope-to-Get-a-Running-Start-278791401.html

Niners' Ian Williams has a nose for the ball

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After missing almost all of last season with an injury, nose tackle Ian Williams is back to playing at a high level for the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Return-of-Ian-Williams-a-Key-to-49ers-Defensive-Surge-278655661.html

Chargers wary of struggling Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Because the Chargers last year lost to the underdog Raiders in Oakland, they say this time they won't be caught "flat" again. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Chargers-Say-They-Wont-be-Caught-Flat-This-Time-278654431.html

After finishing 1-2 in the world this year, American triathletes Gwen Jorgensen and Sarah Groff are rolling toward Olympics in Rio ... and perhaps the USA's first gold medal in the event

Gwen Jorgensen and Sarah Groff were teammates on the U.S. Olympic team at London in 2012, and both came up short of their expectations. But in the two years since, both have improved greatly. Now 1-2 in the world, they're eager to help the U.S. win its first gold medal in the American-born event at the 2016 Olympics. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/11669017/endurance-sports-sarah-groff-gwen-jorgensen-aiming-triathlon-gold-medals-rio

Perrish Cox receiving rave reviews at cornerback

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The loss of No. 1 cornerback Tramaine Brock has hurt, but Perrish Cox has stepped in to play very well and lessen the pain. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Cox-Has-Been-a-Lifesaver-for-49ers-278522271.html

Red flags are up on 49ers' red-zone execution

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers are on a roll now, but they still need to be more efficient offensively in the red zone. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Need-More-TDs-From-inside-the-Red-Zone-278386071.html

Sparano not here to talk about Raiders' past

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New head coach Tony Sparano has buried the 0-4 start his team has had ... literally. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Sparano-Buries-the-Past-and-Moves-Forward-278381441.html

49ers' investment in Lloyd is paying off

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd is making some impact plays for the Niners. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lloyd-Signing-is-Paying-Dividends-for-49ers-278244481.html

Troubled Raiders now have to face red-hot Chargers

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders, 0-4 and in transition with a new head coach, will have to find a way to slow down the Chargers this Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Troubled-Raiders-Now-Face-Streaking-Chargers-278239901.html

Veteran standout Simone Biles leads young, inexperienced U.S. women's gymnastics team into World Championships in China

Most of the members of the U.S. women's gymnastics team at the world championships in China will be getting their first international big-time experience. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/October/04/Meet-The-US-Womens-Gymnastics-World-Team

Four members of 2012 Olympic team lead U.S. men's gymnastics team into World Championships in China

Two years ago in London, the U.S. men's gymnastics team was touted as a medal contender, but fell short of those expectations. Now four members of that group are reunited on the American team in China in the World Championships. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/October/03/Meet-The-US-Mens-Gymnastics-World-Team

Strength vs. strength: Can 49ers' run D stop Chiefs?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Chiefs like to run the ball and the 49ers are playing well against the run. Who wins? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Know-Chiefs-Will-Run-at-Them-278023231.html