Stepping up for Team Citizens

“Something I started only for my physical health has led to even greater benefits.” — Kirsten Nicholson, Co-Captain, Team Citizens

Teaming up for their colleagues

Returning as a Foundation Partner of this fall’s TCS New York City Marathon, Citizens is especially proud that 150 colleagues, customers, and local partners will run for Team Citizens. Team captain Chad Reynolds will also return — joined by his new co-captain, Kirsten Nicholson, a Commercial Business Operations colleague based in Charlotte, NC.

Explaining their approach, Chad says: “We’ll build off the first year and make it an even better experience for Citizens colleagues. As co-captains, Kirsten and I plan to ‘run down’ the remaining weeks of marathon training with tips, what to expect, and how to make sure it’s a day to remember.” And Kirsten’s thrilled to help lead this year’s team. “I really look forward to engaging with my fellow runners leading up to the race and at our NYC events.”

From a purpose to a passion

When asked to describe her running story, Team Citizens’ new co-captain begins by saying “I haven’t always been a runner.” In fact, as a “unathletic kid” through her college years, Kirsten admits she started running to lose weight. “Motivated to make a change, I started with better food choices and, encouraged by the decreasing scale, I added walking,” she recalls. “The more weight I lost, the more enthused I became.” Eventually, walking progressed to running. That was in 2009, and Kirsten has never looked back.

By the time she reached her target weight, Kirsten’s running habit had become a full-fledged passion. In 2012, she started coaching for the Charlotte, NC chapter of Girls on the Run (GOTR) a North America-based nonprofit that empowers and inspires young girls through running and other experience-based programs. Leading a team of girls as a GOTR coach, Kirsten ran her first 5K — and got hooked on racing.

Before long, 5Ks led to 10Ks, then to a 10-miler, then to half marathons and beyond. Because she particularly enjoys the challenging, yet manageable 13.1-mile distance, Kirsten has set her sights on completing a half-marathon in every US state. In fact, upon first hearing about the trend, she says “I instantly knew I had to participate because it combines both my love of running and my love of travel.” Fast forward to September 2024 when Kirsten traveled to Massachusetts for her 24th half marathon — all in while training for New York City.

Kirsten’s busy race schedule reflects just how fundamental running is to her life and identity. “It’s literally a part of me,” she says. What was originally a health choice has become truly transformative in other ways. “I now run mostly for my mental health, because it makes me so happy and has given me a wonderful community of running friends,” Kirsten explains. “Running has such a deeper meaning now — it helps me shed negative feelings, connect with friends, keep myself healthy, and travel. Running does and means it all to me.”

Where enthusiasm meets experience

Kirsten brings a lot more than just enthusiasm to her co-captain role — including her previous experience at the iconic race. “NYC is unlike any other, so drink in the atmosphere,” she stresses, echoing some of Chad’s past comments. “People will be cheering you on the entire 26.2 miles, and their support will definitely help you to the finish line.” Kirsten offers a few practical tips, as well: “Trust your training. Don’t burn yourself out running on the bridges. Listen to your body. And above all else, remember to HAVE FUN!”

Kirsten hopes her colleagues will also find value in something she learned about herself in 2023. “It was only my second marathon, and we had only three months to train.” As a result, she says: “I learned that if I really want something, I can push through the anxiety of not being good enough, and finish.” Looking back at her races over the past dozen years, Kirsten adds that: “The [2023] marathon was one of the best race experiences I ever had.” And on November 3, Kristen looks forward to embracing — and sharing — her next New York moment.