The Evergreen Athlete - By Finlay MacHugh

“Be tougher.” Helpful… or hollow? Dr Stephen Leckey joins me to unpack why the usual slogans don’t cut it - and what actually helps you train, compete and live by your values when the noise (and your inner critic) ramps up.We get intoWhy social media quietly warps your sense of “fit”The problem with chasing “mental toughness” as a badge - and a cleaner way to think about itPsychological flexibility: a practical frame you can use in the gym, at work, and at homeHandling the “I’m not good enough” story mid-session without derailing your dayValues as verbs: a 10-minute exercise to clarify what matters (and how to act on it)Small, boring behaviours that look “soft”, but win seasonsListen ifYou’re stuck between doing more and actually doing what mattersComparison is draining your trainingYou want a way to push hard without burning outAbout StephenDr Stephen Leckey is a lecturer in Sport & Exercise Science (University of Glasgow) and a practising sport & exercise psychologist. Former rugby player; research in mental toughness and psychological flexibility.If you used to live for sport and the itch hasn’t gone, but niggles, work, and family keep tripping you up - I coach people like you.I help former athletes with unfinished goals overcome injuries, train with purpose again, and rebuild confidence—without turning life upside down.Fancy a chat about the next intake? DM “EVERGREEN” on Instagram @finlay.evergreen.athlete and we’ll see if it’s a fit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show Notes

“Be tougher.” Helpful… or hollow? Dr Stephen Leckey joins me to unpack why the usual slogans don’t cut it - and what actually helps you train, compete and live by your values when the noise (and your inner critic) ramps up.


We get into

  • Why social media quietly warps your sense of “fit”
  • The problem with chasing “mental toughness” as a badge - and a cleaner way to think about it
  • Psychological flexibility: a practical frame you can use in the gym, at work, and at home
  • Handling the “I’m not good enough” story mid-session without derailing your day
  • Values as verbs: a 10-minute exercise to clarify what matters (and how to act on it)
  • Small, boring behaviours that look “soft”, but win seasons


Listen if

  • You’re stuck between doing more and actually doing what matters
  • Comparison is draining your training
  • You want a way to push hard without burning out


About Stephen

Dr Stephen Leckey is a lecturer in Sport & Exercise Science (University of Glasgow) and a practising sport & exercise psychologist. Former rugby player; research in mental toughness and psychological flexibility.


If you used to live for sport and the itch hasn’t gone, but niggles, work, and family keep tripping you up - I coach people like you.


I help former athletes with unfinished goals overcome injuries, train with purpose again, and rebuild confidence—without turning life upside down.


Fancy a chat about the next intake?


DM “EVERGREEN” on Instagram @finlay.evergreen.athlete and we’ll see if it’s a fit.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is The Evergreen Athlete - By Finlay MacHugh?

Welcome to the Evergreen Athlete podcast...


This podcast is designed for people who used to live for sport but are now in a different place. They've recently focused on their careers and families and are unsure how to train athletically as they age. They have different stressors and problems. My name is Finlay MacHugh, and this is something that I have gone through myself to help people overcome every single day. If you're here, you likely have questions about how to train and live optimally. So this is what to expect...


What You’ll Get:




  1. Practical Toolkit: I'll share principles and learnings to help you train efficiently, effectively and productively.


  2. Expert Insights: In-depth discussions with leading coaches, health experts, and performance specialists.


  3. Experiences: Real-life learnings and mistakes from myself and my clients.


About Me (Your Host):


As of writing this in February 2025, I have been a strength and conditioning coach for 15 years, and I've coached at some level for 20 (Christ, that's scary). I'm the founder of Evergreen Athlete, an online coaching platform for those over 30s who want to regain their consistency and confidence to be their best version.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.