When Movement Becomes Medicine
After his cancer diagnosis, Nicolas “Nick” Kisling rediscovered running. For him, it became a way to regain trust in his body, rebuild energy, and rediscover joy in life. In conversation with OAC sports scientist Hannah Pfeifle, Kisling shares how moving
outdoors supported his recovery, and why mindfulness often begins with the very first step.
Hannah Pfeifle: How did running first become part of your life again?
Nick Kisling: I actually ran quite a lot as a child and teenager, but during my university years, I lost touch with it. Later, when I became ill and spent long periods in hospital, I felt a strong need to get outside again, to move, to feel nature. A month after my last round of radiotherapy, I was on a plane to Tenerife to go hiking. I was never really an “outdoor sports person”, but out there I realised how liberating movement in nature can feel. That feeling gave me the confidence to keep going – and eventually, to go faster. Hiking quite naturally turned into running, and step by step my hiking boots were replaced by trail running shoes.
H. Pfeifle: How did you come across OAC?
N. Kisling: I actually discovered OAC by chance, after my recovery. The idea of combining physical activity and nature with education and support for people affected by cancer resonated deeply with me. I could really identify with that mission, because I had experienced first-hand how healing it can be to move outdoors.
H. Pfeifle: Which race has been your biggest challenge so far – and how did you overcome it?
N. Kisling: Every race is a challenge in its own way. It’s easy to get carried away by others and start running faster than feels right. But that’s exactly what I love about running, it teaches you to find your own rhythm. For me, running means staying
aware, running just fast enough not to lose sight of the beauty around me. Balancing ambition with mindfulness, that’s the hardest part, and also what fascinates me most about running.
H. Pfeifle: What does movement mean to you – physically and mentally?
N. Kisling: Freedom. It gives me the feeling of being in control of my body, and the opportunity to explore new places. Running helps me clear my head, organise my thoughts and, at the same time, be completely present in the moment. It’s like a form of moving meditation, a space where I can get to know myself anew, again and again.
H. Pfeifle: Is there one moment from running that has particularly
stayed with you?
N. Kisling: For me, it’s always the last kilometre. No matter how long or hard the run has been, that moment when you realise you’re about to finish is something special. You’re no longer running against the distance, but completely with yourself. It’s a mix of relief, pride, and calm, and it reminds me every time why I run.
H. Pfeifle: Long distances demand not only stamina but also mental strength. What helps you keep going when it gets tough?
N. Kisling: I remind myself that I’m doing this by choice, out of joy, not obligation. I can always slow down or walk a few steps if I want to. That takes the pressure off and gives me new energy, even when it gets tough. And, of course, a good playlist always helps.
H. Pfeifle: When you think about health, what would you say to people who have just received a cancer diagnosis?
N. Kisling: I’d say: be patient with yourself. It’s okay if not every day is a good one. But try to move a little closer towards life every day, whether that means taking a deep breath, going for a short walk, or simply smiling. And don’t forget: you are more than your diagnosis. At some point, you’ll feel again what your body is capable of, and that’s an incredibly powerful moment.
About Nicolas “Nick” Kisling
Nick Kisling is a marketing specialist at the Swiss running brand On, based in Zurich. In 2019, he was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a turning point that profoundly changed his relationship with movement and nature. Today, he uses running not only as a personal outlet, but also as a way to raise awareness about the role of physical activity in recovery. In November 2025, six years after his diagnosis, Kisling completed the 26K at the UTMB Mallorca, raising funds for OAC, in partnership with On and Right to Run.
