November's Athlete of the Month

Time to highlight one of our spectacular athletes! What makes up an Athlete of the Month? Not RX’ing every workout or lifting the most weight. This athlete exhibits consistency and a hard work mentality. Every time they come to the gym they have a good attitude and give their all. This person is also welcoming of others, helping make CFHD the best community there is. Each month we choose a different athlete and post some fun facts about them to help y’all get to know them better.

Congrats to Ryan Lankford! He has been around since the beginning of H Dub and we are thankful for his addition to the tribe. Ryan has always displayed hard work and dedication since he started CrossFit, but he recently suffered a back injury. For a lot of people this would be discouraging, but Ryan did what he needed to do to get well so he could come back even better than before. He listened to the doctor and took it slow, which can be hard for a CrossFitter. After 2 months, he is almost back to 100%. He even came to 29 classes in the month of October. He was well at the top of the commitment club! Not only is Ryan the king of consistency, but he is also always sharing good vibes. He is the first person to welcome and introduce himself to a drop-in. He is the life of the party at any H Dub function. We are thankful to have him as part of our family!

Name: Ryan Lankford Hometown: Franklin, TN Age: 27 Occupation: Bank Sales Tell us a little bit about yourself: Middle TN native, son of two bankers, Vol for Life. Just want to leave this place better than I found it. What were your goals when you started CrossFit? At first, just to look good naked. But now I have more wholesome goals, like overall health. And to life huge weights, but I'm still waiting on that one. How long have you been doing CrossFit and how did you get into it? Few know this, but I actually had my first Crossfit experience back in 2009. I spent about four months doing it, but then went off to college and my priorities shifted a little... I got back into it a little over two years ago after a friend talked me into giving it another shot. Best decision ever. What is your favorite/least favorite thing we do in CrossFit? Movement wise: I hate running. Like really hate running. I was basically told not to rejoin to middle school cross country team and that was that. I LOVE double unders, wall balls and pull ups. Those three combined would make for the perfect WOD. Also, shoutout to Saturday Oly class.

How has CrossFit H Dub positively affected you? Going to H Dub has become a positive part of my everyday routine that I truly look forward to. No matter how my day has gone, once I get into the gym, my mood is lifted. That comes from the incredible community we have. What advice do you have for newcomers? Everyone says this, but just stick with it. I remember how intimidating it was in the beginning. I used to have to force myself to go. Just remember that you will get better and better each and every time you show up and there is no better feeling than hitting those goals that you have been working towards. What is something no one at the gym knows about you? I'm not always talkative and loud. I used to be extremely shy before I got into sales, but not as much anymore. Also, I am a big reader so give me a shout with some good recommendations. Who are 3 people you would have a meal or drink with dead or alive?

1. Stephen King - my favorite author

2. Taylor Swift - sup.

3. My grandfather who I never had the chance to meet

If you had an intro song when you walk into the gym what would it be? Bring em out by T.I. is the ultimate song when you are about to hit a PR. That or ANYTHING Taylor Swift. Favorite Sport? I really enjoy basketball / boxing, but football would have to be my favorite to watch. If you could have one super power what would it be? To be able to teleport anywhere, anytime. Sure would make traveling nice. What is your favorite cheat meal? I'm honestly not sure if you can consider it a cheat meal when you eat it multiple times a week, but definitely a Moe's burrito. Luckily, mass season just started so calories don't count anymore.