Rawan Bin Hussain On Preparing To Tackle Her Biggest Fitness Challenge Yet…
The Dubai-based content creator, singer and mother shares how she’s teaming up with New Balance and their Run Your Way initiative to train for the New York Marathon
This article was created in partnership with New Balance.
Once Rawan has sets her mind to something nothing will stop her from achieving her goal. After a recent health scare where she was diagnosed with lupus, the Kuwaiti-born singer and Bazaar Qatar cover star decided it was time to start prioritising her physical well-being. Putting a brand new set of goals in place, she’s joined forces with New Balance ready to tackle her biggest challenge yet: running the New York Marathon next month.
Ambitious? Absolutely, but Rawan isn’t letting anything get in her way – even those days when she’s not feeling up to training. “Some days though it gets really challenging, and I find myself doubting whether I can keep up. But I always remind myself of everything else that I’ve accomplished, and I draw motivation from knowing that if others can do it, so can I,” she says. “The added motivation is definitely imagining myself crossing the finish line, and watching my daughter be proud of me. If I’m being honest, this experience in many ways is about setting an example for her.”
New Balance’s Run Your Way initiative – which aims to create an inclusive, positive, and uplifting running environment for everyone – resonates deeply with Rawan, which is part of the reason why she’s decided to train with the brand, which has historically held deep ties with running communities around the world.
“It’s not just about running a certain distance or competing against others but about finding your own path and enjoying the journey at your own pace. Each of us has a unique style of movement so why not embrace that and celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small?” she says. “For me, it’s a reminder that fitness is a personal journey—one that should be joyful and fulfilling. The way New Balance is strongly committed to supporting runners of all levels makes this message even more special.”
Working with New Balance running coach Melissa Abbey, Rawan shares how they’ve mapped out her path to success with a bespoke plan-of-action. ”Together we developed a personalised running plan, which I’m completely committed to following even with my busy schedule juggling work, motherhood, and music,” she says, highlight how Melissa was able to assess her lifestyle and help her set realistic expectations for her training.
But, like all of us, even the best of fitness plans can become challenging and tedious – especially when life gets in the way. “There are times where I have to drag myself to the gym,” Rawan admits. “That being said, I always remind myself to give my 100% on that day. It might be 80% for me, it might be 70 %, or perhaps only 60%, but it’s 100% on that day regardless of the circumstances.”
Rawan trains in New Balance’s 1080s – a lightweight shoe that provides both flexibility and cushioned support, ideal for both beginnings and experienced runners. “I absolutely love the 1080s—I’ve found them incredibly responsive and cushioned, making long runs feel easier on my feet. With each year, the 1080s only get better and I’m quite excited for the upcoming launch of the 1080v14.”
One of the biggest takeaways of the whole experience? Rawan does admit that training for a marathon has transformed her mentality and approach to taking care of her overall well-being. “It has taught me the importance of consistency, made me more disciplined, and has instilled the need to prioritize my well-being every day. Physically, I feel stronger and more energetic, while mentally, I find myself becoming more resilient and confident. This journey as a whole taught me quite a lot about life – both on and off the track.”
Images Supplied.
