The fifteen minutes after a run is widely regarded as the time in which the absorption of glycogen by the muscles is most optimal. The reason for this is the blood flow to the muscles is very high and the enzymes that produce glycogen are most active.
Why is it so important to replace the glycogen levels in our muscles ? In a nutshell, it reduces the fatigue we feel after a run. Less fatigue translates into a quicker run recovery time. Replenishing your glycogen levels also serves to reduce the risk of injury.
I have been drinking chocolate milk on a a post run recovery basis for months and I am a firm believer it serves to help repair your muscles in preparation for the next day's training. I ran six miles last night at a sub eight minute mile pace (fast for me) and then drank a pint of chocolate milk. I awoke this morning with very little soreness.
There's a caveat to drinking chocolate milk on a post-run recovery basis. You have to consume an amount proportional to your workout length. If your workout is less than 45 minutes you run the risk of drinking more calories of chocolate milk than you expended during your workout. This could result in the unintended effect of weight gain.
Note: Re-hydration is more important within a post run process than glycogen replacement. You should drink Gatorade / Powerade to replenish your fluid levels, not chocolate milk.
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