Post Workout for lean muscle?????

I would think that increasing muscle strength and endurance would be more important than building muscle mass, particularly for IM and HIM distance. I don't take any special supplements, but for long workouts you do need to make sure to replenish carbs and take in some protein to repair muscle damage and aid recovery. I've heard times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes as the optimal "window" for carb replacement and muscle repair. That can be challenging for athletes who are tired and hot after training, and need time to clean up and prepare a recovery meal. The only time I use special "recovery" products (a smoothie with protein powder, soymilk, nut butter, and bananas, among other good stuff) is when I'm too tired, hungry, and/or overheated to replenish immediately with food. I do a lot of my training in tropical heat, so those smoothies do play a role in my recovery from long runs, rides, and bricks. I will typically follow that up within a few hours with a solid meal including healthy carbs and protein.