About this episode

Maddy Michielssen uses the Kentucky Derby upset of Golden Tempo to explore themes of confidence and strategy in health and fitness journeys.

What if your past results aren’t proof you’re not capable… but proof you’ve been running the wrong race? In this solo episode of The Psyche Behind the Physique, Maddy breaks down the 2026 Kentucky Derby upset where Golden Tempo came from last place to win at 23–1 odds—and uses it as a powerful metaphor for your own health and fitness journey. From starting at the “back of the pack,” to changing strategy mid-race, to conserving energy and executing a fierce late finish, this story becomes a lens for how women approach fat loss phases, preps, reverses, and long-term transformation. Maddy dives into why so many high-performing women quietly count themselves out before they even begin, giving more power to old evidence than to who they are now. She unpacks the difference between belief and fantasy, urgency and strategy, grit and good design—and why “trying harder” isn’t the same as running a smarter race. In this episode, you’ll explore: Why your past attempts don’t have to define your identity The danger of turning failed outcomes into a personal verdict How “coming out of the gates blazing” leads to burnout and inconsistency Why foundation work (maintenance, reverse dieting, muscle…

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• When You’re No Longer Training for Something: Staying an Athlete Without a Target · June 7, 2026 · 57 min
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