After running the NYC Marathon, I can say with absolute confidence that magnesium was one of the quiet heroes of my entire training block and my recovery afterward. 

We runners obsess over everything from carbs to stride mechanics to electrolytes, but somehow magnesium rarely gets the spotlight it deserves. 

Once I finally started paying attention to it, not only did my training feel smoother, but race day and the brutal post-marathon days felt far more manageable.

Let me break down why.

Why Magnesium Matters More Than You Think

1. Happy Muscles

During my peak mileage weeks for NYC, my legs were constantly flirting with tightness. You know that “my calves are about to explode” feeling during hill repeats?

That was me until I upped my magnesium. The difference was noticeable: fewer feelings like my calves were about to seize up mid-run, less late-night twitching, and a general sense that my muscles were actually cooperating with my training instead of fighting it.

2. Energy for Long Runs

Magnesium plays a major role in turning food into usable energy. Those 18–20 milers on humid mornings used to drain me more than they should.

But once I dialed in my magnesium intake, I felt steadier, less fatigued, and more “I’ve got this” deep into the long runs.

3. Recovery (Especially After 26.2!)

Let me tell you after the NYC Marathon, my body was wrecked. Magnesium became part of my recovery non-negotiables.

It helped me relax my mind and muscles so I could sleep and recover in the days after when my legs were basically screaming.

Signs You Might Be Low On Magnesium 

I didn’t realize how much I needed magnesium until I connected the dots between:

• Nighttime cramps
  

• Dead-leg feeling on easy runs
  

• Irritability
  

• Subpar sleep
  

• Muscle stiffness
  
  

Turns out, runners lose a surprising amount of magnesium through sweat, making deficiency way more common for us endurance folks.

Food First—But Sometimes It’s Not Enough

I always try to build my diet around magnesium-rich foods: spinach, nuts, dals, millets, bananas. That didn’t change during NYC Marathon training; if anything, I doubled down.

But with increased mileage and modern food having lower magnesium levels, I knew I wasn’t hitting the optimal amount consistently.

How LivOn Labs Magnesium Fit Into My NYC Marathon Prep

I leaned on LivOn Labs Magnesium because its liposomal delivery makes it easier for the body to absorb and it’s gentle on my stomach. No runner wants surprise bathroom issues during a training block or on race week.

Here’s how I used it:

During training:

• Evening dose daily to support muscle recovery at night
  

• Extra emphasis during peak weeks when fatigue was high
  

• Paired with magnesium-rich meals 

Race week:

• Focused on foods + consistent supplementation
  

• Helped me sleep better despite pre-race nerves
  

• Reduced that tight, “fizzy legs” feeling
  
  

Post-marathon:

• Continued my evening dose to calm my system
  

• Noticed less stiffness than I expected
  

• Helped me get restorative sleep when my legs were buzzing
  

The Bottom Line

If you’re running high mileage or dreaming of a marathon like NYC, magnesium might be the missing link between “barely getting through training” and “feeling strong, recovered, and ready.”

For me, a mix of magnesium-rich foods and LivOn Labs Magnesium made a huge difference before, during, and after race day.

Sometimes the thing that elevates your running isn’t a new shoe or a new training plan. Sometimes it’s just giving your body the mineral it’s been quietly begging for.

Why you can trust Sabrina Wieser

Runningbrina is committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Her editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Sabrina uses data-driven methodologies to evaluate all products, so all brands are measured equally.

• Most featured running blog, past 6 years
• USATF certified running coach
• Experienced endurance athlete
• 7 marathons