Post workout nutrition is supposed to play a pretty big role - try to make sure if you've done a fairly long or hard workout to get your recovery snack in pretty quickly - I think the window is 1/2 hour from the end of your workout, and yes make sure there's some protein in there. It doesn't have to be a prepackaged recovery drink or even whey powder, but make sure your not just getting all carbs.

If you are feeling like you might be really sore then next day and you really don't want to be, cold soaks work. They are not pleasant! but they really do cut down on the muscle aches. You have to be willing to sit for about 5 minutes in really cold water though (I have never been able to actually add ice )... some people say alternate with warm water, but I think the cold alone works just fine. I don't think I'd like to do it all the time though....