Keeping hydrated is one of the most important factors for distance running. During a run, especially in the heat, your body goes through its water supply rather quickly. If you aren’t quick to replenish your fluids then your body will become dehydrated and you will suffer for it. Your performance will drop, you may overheat and you will generally feel like crap. Below are a few methods for staying hydrated during your long runs.
Bring it with you. Of course, jogging with a bottle of water is the most obvious way to get your needed water but holding a bottle in your hand for a long period of time may seem a little bit cumbersome to some people. Another option would be to purchase a water belt. These devices allow you to carry bottles of water on your waist but look about as cool as a fanny pack. But hey, we’re talking about running not a fashion show.
Plan your runs in loops. Before any long run I always map out my planned route on a site like Traingo.com or FavoriteRun.com. If I’m going for a distance of over 5 or 6 miles then I make sure that my route consists of at least two loops that start and stop at either my house or car (if I’m not running near my neighborhood). When I make my way back to the starting point I’ll grab a quick drink or snack and be on my way again for the second lap. This way I’ll be able to easily hydrate at the halfway mark without having to carry any extra burden with me.
Store water ahead of time. I’ve never had the forethought or planning for this method, but it is a great idea. A friend of mine regularly plants bottles of water along his route before he actually jogs it. This way you’ll know that you’ll have your water when and where you’ll need it. However, you’ll probably want to use disposable plastic bottles just in case your water happens to disappear or walkaway before you can get to it. One time my friend actually bought some water at a gas station that was along his jogging route and asked the clerk if he could hide it in the freezer until he came back to get it. However, by the time he actually jogged back to the gas station a shift change had taken place and he had to explain to a different clerk that he wasn’t in fact stealing any water. If you use this method, you may want to bring your receipt with you 
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