Finding Our Pace in the Real World, On and Off the Track

Hey everyone!

I’m happy to be back again! This is Marie, KCRW’s Audience intern. In case you missed my Insider debut a few weeks ago, check it out here. I can’t believe I’m already halfway done with my internship at KCRW. It’s sure been a jam-packed few weeks. I attended the Summer Nights at Union Station where I got to experience the magic of the KCRW community. I also witnessed my first-ever single-day challenge grant. As we all may have heard, Congress cut funding for public radio stations, including KCRW. Despite this devastating decision, I was amazed by the KCRW community who rallied behind our station and met the moment. You understood that now, more than ever, KCRW needs your support. Safe to say, my first weeks have certainly been exciting, and I’m sad to have only a few more weeks left.

Speaking of things that have gone by fast, I can’t believe I will be a senior at UCLA this fall. It feels like just yesterday I was picking out wall decorations for my first dorm room and meeting the people who have since become my lifelong friends. With graduation approaching, the ever-looming entrance into the real world is becoming more and more of a reality. I almost want to scream, “I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up!” But the truth is, I do have an idea; I know I want to work in an environment that applauds creativity and innovation, whether it be in music, film, or public media. Unfortunately for me, though, jobs in these fields are awfully difficult to secure. I’m so sick of scrolling through LinkedIn and hoping my resume gets past the robot stage. And, the current job market for college grads does not help at all. I can only cross my fingers and trust that my experience and skills will lead me to my destined career path.

All this growing old and job stuff definitely contributes to high stress levels. So, you might be asking, how do I cope? The honest and short answer is running! Running has become my lifeline whenever I feel overwhelmed or I need to compile my thoughts. While I’m easily running 30+ miles a week these days, I’ve not always been so fond of the sport (ex-cross country high school runner here). Because of all the very regimented running I did in high school, running was the last thing on my mind when I first got to college. Eventually, though, I started going to the gym and building up my stamina on the treadmill with interval sessions. I finally made my way outdoors and found a new appreciation for the sport. I love going on a run, listening to my music (it’s all in the playlist), and forgetting about my worries or to-do list. My biggest worry on a run is, oof, that’s a big hill coming up.

Leisure running has been life-changing, but I’ve found even more excitement in racing. So far, I’ve completed 3 half-marathons, the most recent of which I ran an impressive PR I never thought I’d be capable of doing. When that race was over, I felt like I still had some energy in the tank…. which leads me to my current running goal: run a marathon! And, well, no better timing than 2026 to run 26.2 miles. I mean, c’mon, it’s literally written in the stars (26 miles in 2026, get it). Fortunately, KCRW just launched their Los Angeles Marathon team. While I haven’t committed yet to Team KCRW (just have to get over some injuries😭), I know I will — and you should too! Running has truly changed my life, and the feeling of accomplishment after a race is indescribable. Endorphins are real my friends!

Even if marathon running is not your forte, any form of movement does wonders for your mental and physical health. As I said, running has gotten me through the toughest of days, and I’m certain it will ground me throughout my bittersweet senior year. As long as I’m zooming down my usual loop and blasting my music, I’ll be more than fine.

Keep moving,
Marie Siemietkowski-Needham

P.S. I’d love for everyone to reply with their favorite running/exercising song! I’ll go first, my classic running song is “I Follow Rivers” by Lykke Li (the Magician remix). Give it a listen and get your heart pumping! See you all at the finish line!

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ARE WE THERE YET?