I don't understand the need to spend more money than necessary when chocolate milk will work just as well as most protein drinks out there. but if you insist, try adding 100% whey to your milk.

Why not chocolate milk? I just finished a 30 mile training run and the first thing I did when I walked in the door was grab some chocolate soy milk. Hammer makes a whey powder but I haven't used it. I've also used carnation instant breakfast, but if you're looking for a "brand" then that may not suit you. I've used GNC soy isolate in the past but don't think the taste or texture are great, plus it's expensive. I was just running with a pro runner who is sponosred by Powerbar and he was commenting about how their products lack protein, but he was directly referencing the gels so I'm not sure if they have a recovery drink.

I cannot stand milk.  YUCK!  Just the thought of sucking on a cow teat gives me the shivers.  Even the Muscle Milk with dairy lactose makes me ill.  I used soy milk every day for years until my T levels went down.  Soy I think messes with my T levels, so i try to avoid using soy on a daily basis.

Accelerade might work although it does not have that much protein in it.  It works well for me although others complain about the taste so I suggest you try a small sample first.  I also like the 100% wheat based products (MQM in particular has some tastey protein mixes).  Lately I've gotten cheap and just bought the Gatorade powder from Target.  It's about 1/4 the cost of the other workout beverages.  My recovery seems to be just good as when I was using protein (as opposed to sugar carbs in Gatorade).  If I go over 15 miles I'll eat a sandwich and maybe some almonds immediatly after the run with the Gatorade.  Seems to work fine.

You know, they sell milk by the bottle now.  Its a lot more convenient that way.

My problem is milk is nothing more than I have problems with cholestoral and it seems to act funny in my stomach when I drink more than a small bit at a time.  I have not tried the soy milk, but am hesitant (basically stuck on the fact that milk comes from animals and soy is not an animal, right?)

I am looking more towards the soy protein mixes that has similar protein, but no cholestoral.  Someone mentioned the PB sandwich and a glass of chocolate milk.  I can understand the concept, though I think on heavy work out days I will go more with a mix.  I eat enough PB as it is since it is a decent lunch when on the road.

I always have some protein powder and a piece of fruit (fruit = carb).

You can learn  about natural, holistic sport nutrition  for runners here  (plus the  role of sport drinks and how to make carbs your  friends!):   http://wp.me/pOwIM-58

Studies have shown that a carbohydrate to protein ratio of 4/1 illicit's the fastest replenishment of muscle glycogen and muscle recovery while improving nitrogen and ammonia balance. Prolonged cardio wrecks havoc on testosterone levels in males. The idea is to take in this nutrients within 1 hour of exercise cessation. Also, fats will slow the uptake therefore should be kept to a minimum during this hour. I like and recommend to my clients low fat chocolate milk with 3-5 grams of creatine and 5 grams of glutamine thrown in. Hit the showers and have a balanced meal 1 hour later.

Los Angeles Personal Fitness Trainer