Track and Field Marathon National Athlete Zhang Jia-Zhe: Don't Overly Pursue Health, Consistent Good Habits Are More Important

Image source / Provided by Zhang Jia-Zhe

When talking about the shining star of Taiwan's marathon scene, Zhang Jia-Zhe, the national athlete from the 2012 London Olympics, is undoubtedly the most prominent. Not only does he have extensive experience as a national athlete, but he is also the second-best marathon runner in Taiwan's history. However, besides his outstanding achievements, he is also an active promoter of public welfare. As the president of the Taipei Long-distance Running Rotary Club, he is dedicated to assisting grassroots athletes and wheelchair runners, and passing on his passion for charity to more people.

Provided by ALL sports

In the field of wheelchair running, Zhang Jia-Zhe emphasizes: "Although competitive wheelchair sports have been around for years internationally, in Taiwan, aside from the promotion of the Kaohsiung Marathon and Taipei Marathon in the past two years, wheelchair runners are often isolated in regular competitions. But I believe 'since we all love sports, why not participate together?' So, in 2022, I founded the Taipei Long-distance Running Rotary Club to share the philosophy and call for everyone to join hands in support." For Zhang Jia-Zhe, charity is not only about giving back but also a way to recharge. "Meeting friends who share the same passion for charity and experiencing the process of helping others brings an indescribable sense of satisfaction."

When asked how he got involved in public welfare, Zhang Jia-Zhe recalled, "When I was a child, I participated in the Harmony Long-distance Running Club with my parents. Club members often shared homemade food and second-hand gear. I received many almost new second-hand running shoes and running clothes, and that helped me a lot." He further shared that during university, while looking for a part-time job, he accidentally joined the volunteer association at the mental health counseling office and found that his classmates were all passionate and willing to share and participate. These experiences helped form Zhang Jia-Zhe's habit of engaging in public welfare activities.

Even with his roles as an athlete, the founder of a cultural and creative business, and the president of the Taipei Long-distance Running Rotary Club, Zhang Jia-Zhe’s life is still filled with intense training. He insists on training one to two times a day and reduces fried foods in his diet while increasing his intake of carbohydrates. When it comes to developing good exercise and health habits, Zhang Jia-Zhe shares: "I recommend not overly pursuing it. There are many sports you can try, and some even offer free trials. You don’t need to stick to just one type of exercise right away. It’s fine to try multiple, and you don’t have to force yourself to exercise for an hour. Even five minutes, as long as you do it consistently, can help you form a habit." This idea can also be applied to dietary habits: gradually reduce intake rather than trying to go cold turkey."

Zhang Jia-Zhe recommends XinkeLing, which lasts longer than regular waterproof sprays and lasts three to four months.

In terms of choosing waterproof spray, Zhang Jia-Zhe recommends XinkeLing, saying, "Normally, the waterproof sprays I bought before would just be sprayed on, but with XinkeLing, you need to spray it until the fabric is soaked. However, I noticed that XinkeLing lasts longer, one application can last three to four months, and the effect has been great so far." He adds, "When it rains and I run, my chest gets wet easily, but spraying XinkeLing keeps my chest dry." He further explains, "Since the chest is a cooling area, keeping it dry prevents feeling cold. Training is already hard enough, and I don't need to use extra willpower to overcome the cold and dampness." Besides running gear, he also sprays XinkeLing on his waterproof jacket, saying, "For waterproof jackets, the effect weakens after washing, but if you reapply XinkeLing, it maintains the effect."

Learn more about Zhang Jia-Zhe's recommendation: XinkeLing

Zhang Jia-Zhe's “True Man Cultural and Creative Business” offers nearly 100 items, and he recommends the TrulyMan coin wallet, Ashimendical ROCKER M sports nutrition, and XinkeLing waterproof spray. He says, "The coin wallet is durable and convenient. It can hold earphones, coins, and can be clipped to a bag or pants. It’s affordable, so if lost, it’s not too devastating." As for Ashimendical ROCKER M sports nutrition, it is designed specifically for sports enthusiasts. The founder is also a sports lover with a background in sports nutrition, creating a product that athletes can use long-term without burden. Zhang Jia-Zhe admits he has also been using this product for a long time."

Image provided by Zhang Jia-Zhe

In his family life, Zhang Jia-Zhe shares: "I never thought I would get married. I used to travel for training and competitions, and couldn’t spend time with my girlfriend. Many times, because of this, we broke up. After all, running is my education, career, and lifelong passion, and I thought I would be single for life until I met my current wife, who could accept this lifestyle and support me." As for children, Zhang Jia-Zhe says lightly: "I’m not against it, but it’s up to fate. I already feel lucky to have a wife."

Zhang Jia-Zhe is active on social media, often sharing insightful quotes and ideas. He says, "All inspiration and thoughts come from experience and reading. While everyone has frameworks, as experience and exposure increase, the framework and vision can expand. So people should experience and try more. It can help us remain calm when facing difficulties, and we will gradually find it less challenging." Zhang Jia-Zhe is not only a passionate runner and public welfare advocate but also a philosopher of life.

Learn more about Zhang Jia-Zhe's story >> Zhang Jia-Zhe @ Facebook, Zhang Jia-Zhe @ Instagram