April 2021 Athlete of the Month – Ryan Maddox

Congratulations to Ryan Maddox, our April 2021 Athlete of the Month! Ryan has been a member at Capital City CrossFit for a little over two years. In this time, Ryan has been a consistent athlete and supportive member to the C3 community.  Ryan takes his workouts very seriously.  He knows when to scale appropriately, but he also knows when to push himself.  Lately Ryan has been completing more and more workouts as prescribed.  He continues to get noticeably stronger in both his lifting and gymnastics.  Things like toes-2-bar and pull-ups used to be a struggle for Ryan, but now he’s swinging himself around like a dang gymnast. This is because Ryan has put in the work and continues to stay motivated.  We look forward to watching Ryan’s continued progress in the future!  Congratulations Ryan on the well deserved honor!


In general, what is your background?

I was born and raised in Rochester, Illinois where I graduated in 1999.  I am married to my amazing wife, Amy, and we have three children together, Avery (10), Macy (5) and Easton (6 months).  We live in Springfield and now proudly support the Pleasant Plains Cardinals.

Age, Occupation?

I am about 83 days away from turning 40 years old…..if I was counting.  For the past 15 years I have served within the Springfield Police Department.  I am currently a Detective assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division – Crimes Against Persons Section.  This means our team is responsible for investigating violent crimes that occur in Springfield.  I also serve as an “Operator” on the Springfield Police Department Emergency Response Team….that was for Donnie Edwards.

How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?

I owe thanks to Joe Reidy who explained to me what CrossFit consisted of.  Also, I recall meeting Donnie Edwards at an evening class to simply watch a workout and see what CrossFit was all about.  These guys pushed me to join and I have never looked back!

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?

Prior to joining C3, I attended the west YMCA location.  My daily workout routine consisted of “Should I go to the gym today or not?”  On the days I went, I wandered around station to station without direction or a plan to increase my fitness level.  Now, I have the guidance that I previously lacked.  I truly appreciate the instruction that our awesome coaches provide!

Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit.

Double Unders!  These hold me back from completing an RX version of so many different WOD’s.  Someday I will have them!

Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

This is hard to summarize as a single moment.  I recall Day 1 thinking, “I’ll never be able do that.”  Since that day, I have reached several goals that I never thought were possible.  I love the push that CrossFit provides to be better than yesterday.

What is your least favorite WOD to date?

Karen!  That is a lot of wall balls!

What do you like most about Capital City CrossFit?

The CrossFit Community!  Our 6:15am class consists of mostly the same faces.  Our group is very supportive of each other and we hold each other accountable for attendance and effort!  On the days my work prevents me from attending, I know that I have to answer to at least (3) different people on average to explain my absence.

Favorite exercise?

Any WOD that includes the Assault Bike.  I know, I know….who says that?

Least favorite exercise?

BURPEE..BOX..JUMP..OVERS!