Ricky Castro: Top Inspiration for New Triathletes
The quiet discipline of a training partner who showed me what consistency really looks like
Joining the Clermont Triathlon Club (CTC) was a turning point in my triathlon journey.
Joining the Clermont Triathlon Club (CTC) was a turning point in my triathlon journey, not just for the training and events, but for the incredible people it introduced me to. Among them, one person stood out as a true source of inspiration — Ricky Castro. His dedication, consistency, and passion for the sport left a lasting impression on me and shaped the way I approach triathlon training to this day.
My first encounters with Ricky were at the CTC group trainings. Week after week, he was there — rain or shine, hot or cold. What struck me most was his discipline. While many of us were still figuring out our schedules and making excuses, Ricky was already in the water, on the bike, or lacing up his running shoes. He wasn't the loudest person in the group, but his actions spoke volumes.
One moment that really stuck with me was during an early morning lake swim. It was one of those cold Florida mornings where the water felt like ice and most of us were hesitating at the shore. Ricky? He walked straight in without a second thought and started swimming. That kind of mental toughness is contagious — seeing him dive in gave the rest of us the push we needed to follow.
What truly set Ricky apart was his dedication during the cold months. When the temperatures dropped and most athletes scaled back or took a break, Ricky kept showing up. He was out there putting in the work when nobody was watching, building the fitness that would carry him through race season.
He braved the cold lake waters, tackled long bike rides in chilly winds, and ran through mornings when most people were still under their blankets. His consistency during those tough months was a powerful reminder that progress doesn't take days off — and neither should we, if we're serious about our goals.
As I got to know Ricky better, I discovered that he had a coach — and not just any coach. Ricky was training under the guidance of Robin Sandos, a well-known and respected figure in the local triathlon community. Learning this was a lightbulb moment for me. Here was someone I admired for his discipline and results, and behind the scenes, he had a structured plan and expert guidance helping him get there.
Meeting Robin through Ricky opened my eyes to what coaching could do for an athlete at any level. It planted the seed that would eventually lead me to seek out my own coach — a decision that transformed my training and racing in ways I couldn't have imagined.
Looking back, Ricky taught me some of the most valuable lessons in my triathlon journey: show up consistently, embrace the uncomfortable, and surround yourself with people who push you to be better. He may not have set out to be anyone's mentor, but his example spoke louder than any coaching session ever could.
Fun notes
- I actually already knew Robin from the Lake Gators open water swimming sessions before I connected the dots that he was Ricky's coach! Small world. You can read more about how I got into the sport here. - After about 3 years of chasing him in races, I finally managed to beat Ricky in a sprint triathlon. It felt like winning the Olympics! 🏆🎉 Of course, he got me back the very next race. 😅
Andres.
Ricky never tried to be anyone's mentor, but his example taught me more than any lecture could. Surround yourself with people who push you — it makes all the difference.