Triple H: Three Key Metrics to a Successful Training Camp

I’ve competed at an elite level for nearly 20 years - Rugby Union, Olympic Weightlifting and CrossFit®.  When I look back at my performances, both the highs and the lows. I’ve been able to identify a few key indicators of high performance. These elements have remained consistent across my career, and they can be summed up in three simple words:

HEALTHY - HAPPY - HUNGRY.

Through different periods of my athletic journey, these three things have changed from time to time. I’ve realised that this is very much a tripod of performance for me. When one leg crumbles, the other two can only stand for so long. 

Let me break down what each of these means to me:

Healthy - It’s about staying injury-free, minimizing niggles, and ensuring you're fueling your body with the proper nutrition, and rest, and remaining focused. A healthy athlete is one who can train consistently without setbacks.

Happy - It’s the joy and satisfaction found in the training process. Feeling positive, fulfilled, and at peace inside and outside the gym will keep you motivated for the long haul.

Hungry - It’s not just about wanting to succeed. It’s about being in a place where you’re physically and mentally prepared to WORK HARD in training and SHOW UP to compete when it's competition time. Too often, I see athletes burn out before they even step on the competition floor. Being hungry is about SHOWING UP ready to race—fully rested, focused, and excited to perform.

Now, let’s break down why these three metrics are so crucial for a successful training camp.

Healthy

Without a solid base of physical well-being, all the training in the world wouldn’t make a difference. This means more than just being injury-free. It’s about paying attention to the small details, proper nutrition, recovery, and listening to your body. Without these, your body won’t have the resilience to endure intense sessions or the stamina to push through difficult times. A healthy athlete is one who can consistently train hard without burning out. When you are injured, it doesn't matter how happy or hungry you are; if your body can't keep up, it will show in your performance.

Happy

Happiness is often overlooked in the pursuit of excellence. If you’re not enjoying the process, it becomes harder to SHOW UP daily, put in the work, and maintain motivation. Happiness breeds a positive mindset, which not only helps with the physical grind but also strengthens mental toughness. Happiness keeps you coming back day after day. If you can maintain a balance of joy in and out of the gym, you will be more likely to sustain your commitment through the ups and downs. You can be healthy and hungry for success, but if you are unhappy, performance becomes harder and harder to achieve.

Hungry

Finally, hunger doesn’t just mean the desire to succeed. Too often, I see competitors who’ve outcompeted themselves. They’ve pushed too hard, neglected their rest, or lost the joy in their training, and by the time competition day arrives, they’re mentally and physically drained. They’re sick of the fight and no longer willing to race. Being hungry is about maintaining that desire to compete, but also knowing when to pull back and ensure that when the time comes, you’re prepared to give your best without burning out before the race even begins. You can be happy and healthy, but if you have no desire to compete to win and fight for every point available, then performing at a high level is incredibly difficult.

Putting it all together

When you combine these three metrics, healthy, happy, and hungry. You create the ideal environment for success in any training camp. They are the pillars that support sustained performance, not just in the short term but in the long haul. Being healthy allows you to train effectively, being happy keeps you consistent, and being hungry ensures you’re ready to compete when the time comes.

So, as you enter your next training camp, remember to focus on these three key elements. Take care of your body, find joy in the process, and always be ready to SHOW UP prepared, mentally fresh, and eager to race. At least that’s been the formula for success for me.

*Quick shoutout to my buddy Noah Ohlsen, who has a brand called “happy but hungry.” I didn't devise my healthy, happy, hungry tripod by stealing his mantra. However, I'm sure it's subconsciously stuck with me to some degree. This Triple H model is something I've observed in my journey since 2009. 

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