200-mile races have become a thing now, and Mike McKnight is the first king of the triple crown of 200s completed this summer

Over the course of two months, Mike McKnight completed an almost impossible task, doing three 200-plus mile races and finishing with the fastest cumulative time of the 14 runners who scored the first triple crown of 200-milers My story for MotivRunning.com: https://www.motivrunning.com/running-destinations/racing-highlights/completing-triple-crown-200-milers/

Garoppolo waiting in the wings behind Beathard

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie C.J. Beathard will start at QB vs. the Giants, but newcomer Jimmy Garoppolo appears ready to step in if needed. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Beathard-Will-Start-but-Garoppolo-Appears-Ready-456647193.html

Raiders' GM surprised by team's rough start

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Reggie McKenzie says he's surprised by the team's rough start. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McKenzie-Surprised-by-Raiders-Struggles-456652683.html

Foster says being 0-9 means nothing to how he plays

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers may be 0-9, but rookie linebacker Reuben Foster says he'll always play the same way: hard. And he'll make certain his teammates do, too. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Have-Realistic-Shot-at-First-Victory-456400723.html

Raiders' third-down 'D' may finally be improved

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders' third-down defense was better vs. Dolphins. Can it continue that trend vs. Patriots?https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Third-Down-Defense-Was-Better-vs-Dolphins-456392833.html

After benching, Raiders' Sean Smith has rebounded

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Sean Smith lost his job earlier this season but has now played well following injuries that opened the door to his comeback. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Sean-Smith-Has-Rebounded-After-Being-Benched-456128053.html

Bruised and battered Beathard will start again for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie QB C.J. Beathard, called by Arizona head coach Bruce Arians "one tough dude," will start vs. Giants this Sunday so the team can keep Jimmy Garoppolo on the bench. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Tough-Dude-Beathard-Will-Remain-49ers-Starter-for-Now-455870763.html

Jared Cook becoming a Carr favorite

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Jared Cook has developed a good chemistry with QB Derek Carr and is on his way to a career year. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Tight-End-Jared-Cook-Becoming-a-Prime-Target-455860593.html

Jay Taylar, the smallest guy on the field, stands tallest for the San Diego Armada rugby team

Jay Taylar has tried almost every sport imaginable. When he found rugby, he found his favorite. He plays for the San Diego Armada team, and also runs and works out to stay fit. My profile on Taylar for the Active San Diego feature in the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-taylar-20171106-story.html

Tartt's best season comes to an early end

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Third-year safety Jaquiski Tartt suffers a broken forearm, ending his season at the midway point. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Tartts-Loss-Forces-Rookie-into-49ers-Lineup-455609253.html

"Home-run" Holton is Oakland's secret weapon

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Johnny Holton has just two catches for the Raiders in 2017. One went for 64 yards, one for 44. He has two TDs. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Little-Used-Holton-Produces-Big-Plays-for-Raiders-455601853.html

Carr comes out throwing in Raiders' win over Miami

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr opens up the passing game in Oakland's much-needed win over the Dolphins. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carr-Comes-Out-Throwing-as-Raiders-Beat-Dolphins-455475853.html

49ers left battered by ninth straight loss

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The struggling 49ers lost several more key players in a ninth straight loss this season vs. the Cardinals. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Get-Battered-and-Bruised-While-Losing-Ninth-Straight-455440243.html

Bobsled and skeleton athletes say "Thank you, PyeongChang" at recent goodwill event

Jamie Greubel Poser travels the world competing as a U.S. bobsledder, but she rarely gets the chance to spend a lot of time with the people of the nations she visits. Recently, however, she and her U.S. bobsled and skeleton teammates had the chance to get to know young Korean sliders as the 2018 Winter Games approach. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/November/02/US-Bobsled-And-Skeleton-Athletes-Say-Thank-You-PyeongChang-At-Goodwill-Event

In-home euthanasia for beloved pets is a growing trend

Deciding when to put your beloved pet to sleep can be a painful experience for a pet owner, and a frightening, confusing time for your dog or cat. But in-home euthanasia, where the pet can stay in a familiar environment with its family, is becoming a more popular option. My story for the San Diego Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-hm-home-euthanasia-20171102-story.html

Melifonwu will make Raiders debut vs. Miami

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Obi Melifonwu, a second-round pick, will finally make his NFL debut this Sunday night against the Dolphins. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Eager-to-See-Melifonwu-Play-vs-Dolphins-454954773.html

Now 49ers lose Garcon for rest of season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers couldn't afford many injuries this season to a thin roster. But the loss of top wideout Pierre Garcon is just the latest of a wave of season-ending injuries. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Keep-Losing-Key-Performers-454962363.html

Rashard Robinson had quick rise and fall

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Rashard Robinson looked like a rising star for the 49ers in training camp, but quickly fell out of favor. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Robinsons-Rise-and-Fall-With-49ers-Was-Swift-454707753.html

Raiders' Carr looks like a different QB in 2017

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders QB Derek Carr isn't having the success on deep balls that he's had in the past. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Carr-Has-Been-Stuck-in-a-Lower-Gear-454702193.html

Humans are built for running without shoes, as the famed Raramuri runners of Mexico show even today

The Raramuri of Mexico start running at a young age, and run their entire lives. They run great distances while barefoot or with just thin sandals. How do they do it without modern running shoes? It's easy, says an expert on physiology and barefoot running. My sidebar on barefoot running to go with a larger story on ESPN.com about the Raramuri's prowess. http://www.espn.in/olympics/story/_/id/20770226/why-human-foot-was-made-running-long-distances-even-shoes