FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Year-round, free triathlon training kicked off May 2 at Flynn Pool as a loosely organized group workout session.

The training is open to beginner through advanced athletes and individuals interested in triathlon training, according to Jon Cole, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreations aquatics manager.

"We have several fitness specialists who will participate. Oftentimes there will be someone who is on staff participating and an advanced person who has volunteered to help out. There will be someone around who can answer questions for beginners as well as advanced athletes," said Cole.

Training is Mondays through Fridays 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. The training consists of swimming, cycling and running. Each day and timeframe is set aside to train a certain skill. Certain days will also be set aside to complete brick training, which is training for more than one event in a single session.

Two workshops will be in session Saturday and June 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Flynn Pool. Participants need to bring running shoes, a bike, goggles and a change of clothes.

The workshops focus on swimming, stroke analysis, general safety tips, nutrition for athletes, race tips, transition tips and how to fix flat tires during races, according to Cole.

As part of the program there are specific workouts for beginners and intermediates, seasonal plan templates, race specifics, and safety and nutritional information is available.

"This is for people who enjoy participating in a group workout, people who are interested in competing for fun, people who want to stay in shape or get in shape and for those who are just competitive," said Cole. "Come out, get in shape and stay in shape."