Serious runners may want heart rate monitor features designed for them. As an example, some heart monitors include a pedometer function. Some include an altimeter function. Some either include or are compatible with a foot pod. Read each individual description to see what the foot pod is for, but they generally sense the movement of the foot and produce speed and/or distance data.

For example, the Polar RS800sd includes a stride sensor, and gives speed and distance information and average stride length. It also features target pace alarms, and an altimeter so you can track the elevations you are running at. The Garmin 010-00679-25 Forerunner 50 includes a food pod, and can download data to a PC via a USB antenna. It is also waterproof to 20 meters for those who exercise or train with multiple sports.