When I ran my first marathon in 2010 (brag), I was surprised by what was shoved in my hand when I stumbled across the finish line. No, not a medal to prove my slow-but-steady 26.2-mile success but a serving of chocolate milk . Around me, other marathoners were chugging, so, confused but also starving and parched, I joined in.

“The post-run chocolate-milk chug has earned its spot as a tradition because there is science behind it,” says running coach Alysha Flynn . “Chocolate milk has that ideal three-to-one ratio of carbohydrates to protein, which helps replenish glycogen stores and repair muscles after a long run or a hard-effort session. It also packs in electrolytes like potassium and sodium to help rehydrate the body, plus calcium and vitamin D to support bone health, which

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