What is the difference between split times and lap times?

A common concept when training in any type of speed sport is lap times, split times, and total times. These concepts are not only relegated to the field of running; they are equally important in swimming, cycling, car driving, horse racing, and any other sport in which the competitor covers a measured distance.

Sometimes it can be confusing to distinguish the three, so here are some basic definitions so you know what someone is referring to during the conversation.

  • Total time: Total time at first glance is quite easy to define. It simply tells you how long it took you to get from point A to point B. In a race, this will be the time it took you to get to the finish line. However, it can get a bit more complicated if you divide your total time into net time, movement time, and shooting time.

    1. Net time: Net time refers to the time it takes you to run a race from the moment you cross the start line to the moment you cross the finish line. It is usually measured by an electronic chip or a tag that is attached to your shoe, ankle, or bib number.
    2. Time in motion: Time in motion refers to how long you were actually in motion during a run or race. It could be as simple as stopping the clock at a crosswalk or stopping to relieve yourself, or time could be deducted during a race while at an aid station being weighed. Very few races will track movement time to use as a way to determine winners.
    3. Weapon time: Shooting time refers to how long it takes you to cross the finish line starting with the sound of the gun, no matter where on the field you started your run and no matter how long it takes you to get to the start line.
  • Split time: Your part time is your total time at any point in your career. For example, in a 4-mile run, you could have split times of 7:00, 14:00, 21:00, and 28:00 minutes in each mile if you ran at a steady 7:00 minute pace. Your split time would be your total time at each specified waypoint if your race or race ended there.
  • Lap time: Your lap time is the time it takes to run between divisions. In the example above, each of your mile laps would have been 7:00 minutes. Lap time is the time it takes you to go from one division to the next. The clock starts again for the next lap.

Laps and splits will not always be the same distance. For example, in a triathlon you would have separate splits and lap times for swimming, cycling and running.

However, in general, you will see mile or kilometer divisions unless there is a more easily defined lap. On a track, you can have a 400 meter split and in a swimming pool, a 50 meter split.

During marathons, you may have splits every 5 kilometers, and during an ultramarathon your splits may be at specific help points along the course without a standardized distance between each one.

Tracking and analyzing your lap and split times can help you improve your training and pace during a race, so I recommend keeping track during your interval sessions or when you are reviewing your race strategy for or after a race. career.

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