Keeping core muscles strong and flexible can be a recipe for maintaining overall fitness and flexibility

Core strength is often an overlooked element of fitness. Yet maintaining strength and flexibility in the core -- abdominals, lower back, glutes, hips, etc. -- can be important for balance, back health and being able to do the things you want to do as you age. My story about core fitness for the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-core-strength-20170426-story.html

Raiders and Marshawn Lynch agree to deal

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Marshawn Lynch has agreed to a deal to join the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Adding-Marshawn-Lynch-to-Potent-Attack-420488043.html

Will Fournette emerge as 49ers' pick at No. 2?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Is Leonard Fournette San Francisco's secret target with the No. 2 overall pick? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Fournette-Could-be-49ers-Secret-Target-at-No-2-420494643.html

Rhythmic gymnast Laura Zeng, still a high school student, already is most decorated U.S. rhythmic gymnast, ever

Laura Zeng is off to a great start in 2017, making many believe she could be destined for medals at the next World Championships and Olympics. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/April/26/Team-USAs-Most-Decorated-Rhythmic-Gymnast-Laura-Zeng-Is-Ready-To-Continue-Racking-Up-The-Medals

Lynch, Shanahan say they'll make picks as a team

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: John Lynch is the GM, Kyle Shanahan is the head coach. But they will be a unified team during the draft, says Lynch. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-and-Shanahan-Will-be-on-Same-Page-in-Draft-420368104.html

Will cautious McKenzie gamble more in this draft?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Reggie McKenzie hasn't moved up in the first round of any of his Oakland drafts, but he has moved down to get more picks. Will he change in this year's draft?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-McKenzie-Says-He-Wont-Be-Shy-About-Trading-Up-420373204.html

Will Raiders gamble on Joe Mixon's character?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Joe Mixon has talent. There's no disputing that. But the Oklahoma standout also has a lot of baggage. Yet the Raiders say they like him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Impressed-by-Sooners-Standout-Joe-Mixon-420253623.html

Reports indicate Trubisky could be 49ers' top pick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Smoke screens get thick around this time of year, so reports that QB Mitch Trubisky could be the 49ers' pick at No. 2 overall could simply be a ruse. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Niners-Considering-Trubisky-With-No-2-Pick-420248233.html

49ers need more help at running back in draft

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Look for San Francisco to add another running back in the draft to help Carlos Hyde and Tim Hightower. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Certainly-Will-Add-Another-Running-Back-420081193.html

Late-season schedule is a hurdle for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If the Raiders want to get into the playoffs again, they'll have to conquer a brutal schedule in November and December. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Will-Face-Brutal-Late-Season-Schedule-420086293.html

49ers plan? Thomas at No. 2, QB in second round

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Those who predict the NFL draft are starting to come to a consensus on what the 49ers will do in the first two rounds, if they don't move out of the No. 2 pick. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Draft-Plan-May-be-Thomas-at-No-1-Quarterback-at-No-2-419968474.html

Pagano may also boost Raiders' offense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New defensive coach John Pagano may also be an aid for the Raiders offense in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Pagano-HIring-May-Also-Help-Raiders-Offense-419973574.html

Raiders release DT Williams to save salary-cap space

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After playing just two years on a four-year deal, Dan Williams has been released by the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Release-of-Williams-Saves-Raiders-Salary-Cap-Space-419842243.html

Seahawks decline to keep OT Gilliam

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tackle Garry Gilliam, a Seahawks starter, has joined the 49ers after signing an offer sheet that Seattle refused to match. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gilliam-Officially-Joins-49ers-Offensive-Line-419847513.html

Sue Lucchi is in charge of maintaining Citi Field for New York Mets, a dream job for lifelong fan of the team

Sue Lucchi rarely has any time off. Keeping Citi Field in working order for the fans and team is a time-consuming job. But it's one she would never trade. My story on her for ESPNW.com's Cool Jobs series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/voices/article/19165518/sue-lucchi-cool-sports-job-mets-vp-ballpark-operations

Roberts returns to Raiders, but he'll have competition

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders re-sign wideout Seth Roberts, who'll have to beat out Cordarrelle Patterson to be the team's No. 3 target. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Re-Signed-Roberts-Will-Have-to-Battle-to-Earn-No-3-Receiver-Role-419728474.html

Niners add ex-Seahawk to strengthen offensive line

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners sign Seahawks starting offensive tackle Garry Gilliam to bolster the line. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Make-Move-to-Strengthen-Offensive-Line-419722214.html

49ers will have competition in trying to trade down

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Yeah, the 49ers want to trade down to get more picks. But so do at least two other teams in the top six. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Face-Competition-in-Trade-Down-Scenario-419621283.html

Animal lovers gladly give their time, money and homes to help all creatures great and small in San Diego

Animals are at the center of many San Diegans' lives, especially those who give of their time and home to help foster small animals in need of adoption. Other men and women help dogs, cats, tortoises, snakes, birds and even rescued farm animals. My story on people who volunteer to help animals in San Diego, for the Union-Tribune (with great photos by Charlie Neuman and Nancee Lewis): http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/home-and-garden/sd-hm-animal-volunteers-20170413-story.html

Ward could be starter at corner or free safety

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jimmie Ward may return to safety in 2017 ... or stay at corner. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Safety-or-Corner-Wards-Versatility-Intrigues-49ers-419479153.html

Lynch now almost certain to be a Raider

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Marshawn Lynch has moved closer to joining the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/All-Signs-Point-to-Lynch-Becoming-a-Raider-419475233.html

Former Oregon standout Jordan Hasay has stretched her limits and will make her marathon debut at Boston Monday

Jordan Hasay, a high school phenom and NCAA champ at Oregon, always knew she'd eventually run marathons. Now the former 5,000 and 10,000 standout has run fast times in the half marathon and is ready for her marathon debut this coming Monday at Boston. My Q&A with her for ESPN: http://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/19092276/boston-marathon-2017-runner-jordan-hasay-stride-261-miles

Wheelchair racer Tatyana McFadden ready to race at Boston Marathon again after surgeries for blood clots earlier this year

Tatyana McFadden, the world's finest female wheelchair racer, hopes for a great race at Boston Monday after surgery for blood clots in her legs earlier this year. That medical issue kept her out of the Tokyo Marathon in February. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2017/April/13/After-Surgeries-For-Blood-Clots-Tatyana-McFadden-Is-Refocused-On-Boston-Marathon

Story lines in the 121st Boston Marathon

Can Meb Keflezighi have a great final appearance at the Boston Marathon? Can last year's winners repeat? Can Jordan Hasay run well in her marathon debut? A preview of the 2017 Boston Marathon: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/April/13/What-To-Watch-For-When-The-Boston-Marathon-Runs-For-the-121st-Time

Buckner and Armstead will have new roles for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With a change to a 4-3 scheme, linemen Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner may play more versatile roles. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/New-Roles-for-Top-Picks-Buckner-and-Armstead--419392114.html

New Raider Jenkins could replace Smith at OLB

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins, a former Dolphin, is getting a chance to re-energize his career in Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Former-Dolphin-Jenkins-Eager-for-New-Start-With-Raiders-419387644.html

What are the world's top 10 marathons? With Boston Marathon approaching, we polled experts to pick the best

Boston and New York, of course. But what are the other races that rank in the world's best 10 marathons? We talked to elite runners and amateurs who travel the globe to run races to come up with a list. My story for ESPN.com: http://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/19129302/expert-panel-world-10-best-marathons-including-boston-london-tokyo

Could 49ers have Garrett fall into their lap?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Reports are that the Browns may draft a QB at No. 1 instead  of the draft's top talent, defensive end Myles Garrett. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Could-Myles-Garrett-Fall-to-49ers-at-No-2-in-Draft-419270104.html

McKenzie having to hunt for talent in new ways

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Reggie McKenzie acknowledges he has to think differently this year when searching for talent. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-McKenzie-Acknowledges-a-New-Phase-419274604.html

After daughter's illness and Olympic Trials disappointment in 2016, Luke Puskedra is eager for a reboot in 2017, starting with his first Boston Marathon

After a great 2015, Luke Puskedra experienced all kinds of difficulties in his running and personal life in 2016. Now he's back on track and eager for his first Boston Marathon. My story for ESPN.com Endurance: http://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/19082798/boston-marathon-2017-rollercoaster-year-2016-runner-luke-puskedra-back-right-road

There's a new vibe in 49ers' offseason program

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: As players gather for the first time with a new coach for offseason program, they see and sense a change. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Notice-a-Different-Vibe-With-New-Leadership-419162024.html

If Raiders pass on Lynch, there's help in the draft

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If Oakland decides not to sign Marshawn Lynch, there are plenty of big, strong running backs to choose from in the upcoming draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/If-Raiders-Pass-on-Lynch-Draft-is-Deep-in-Running-Backs-419158744.html

Brock's departure further weakens 49ers secondary

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers released starting corner Tramaine Brock after he was arrested in connection with a domestic violence report. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/With-Brocks-Release-49ers-Need-at-Cornerback-is-Even-Greater-419043664.html

Raiders will watch battle at tight end this summer

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can Clive Walford hold off Jared Cook in training camp? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Walford-Isnt-Guaranteed-a-Starting-Spot-in-2017-419039714.html

49ers face hurdles if they want to trade down

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New GM John Lynch may want to trade down to collect more picks, but this may not be the best year for that kind of deal. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Trading-Down-May-be-a-Challenge-for-49ers-418652953.html

Pieces coming together for Lynch & Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: All the signs are pointing to Marshawn Lynch coming out of retirement to play for the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-to-Raiders-Scenario-is-Coming-Together-418648233.html

What will 49ers do on draft day? Nobody knows

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers may want to trade down out of the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft, but would anybody give them what they want?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Draft-Day-Intentions-Remain-a-Mystery-418526603.html

Raiders may be a landing sport for star corner Sherman

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Seahawks have talked to some teams about trading star cornerback Richard Sherman, and the Raiders may be among the most interested parties. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Reports-Indicate-Raiders-May-Have-Interest-in-Sherman-418521193.html

Raiders could focus on linebacker early

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Inside linebacker is one of the Raiders' weakest spots, so using the 24th overall pick in the draft on one of three SEC stars would seem a wise choice for Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-May-Target-Linebacker-With-Top-Pick-418363663.html

Hoyer gives 49ers to be patient about QB situation

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Signing Brian Hoyer early may have been one of the smartest moves by GM John Lynch http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Taking-Patient-Smart-Approach-to-Quarterback-Situation--418353843.html

At 64, this San Diego athlete is intent to keep moving until the day he dies

Robb Latimer runs, hikes, does yoga and lifts weights. As a massage therapist he's learned from the many athletes he's treated how to help take care of his body. His story for the Union-Tribune Health section's Active San Diego series. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-latimer-20170403-story.html

Shanahan eager for offseason program to start

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New Niners coach Kyle Shanahan will welcome players to the first offseason workout on Monday, April 10. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Shanahan-Eager-for-Start-of-Offseason-Workouts-418228033.html

Raiders still looking at veteran running backs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Reports indicate the Raiders still may have interest in Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Peterson-or-Lynch-May-Still-be-on-Raiders-Radar-418225233.html

Twins longtime organist Sue Nelson considers herself a cheerleader first and a musician second

Sue Nelson has been playing the organ at Minnesota Twins games for a long time, back to their days in the Metrodome. She's also played for the North Stars NHL team and the former pro soccer team in the Twin Cities. Playing at Target Field is a daily thrill, she says. My story on her for ESPNW.com's "Cool Jobs" series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/voices/article/19042921/sue-nelson-cool-sports-job-minnesota-twins-organist

Hightower gives 49ers a versatile No. 2 running back

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Saints back Tim Hightower signs free-agent deal with San Francisco to back up Carlos Hyde. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hightower-Adds-Versatility-to-49ers-Backfield-417967813.html