In endurance activities, one round of track, pool, or course is called one lap. One lap is also widely used to monitor progress or mark intervals during training or competitions.
As an example, in swimming, the lap is commonly understood as down and back and two of the 25-yard or 50-meter standard length of the pool. In running, laps on the 400m track are used to structure interval workouts. For cycling, laps can define circuit races or events on the course. Lap monitoring is also critical to pace, strategy, and mental motivation in multi-lap endurance events.
