21 Bizarre Side Effects of Becoming a Running Junkie

11. The Phantom Itch of Recovering Legs

You've finished your long run, showered, and settled in, only for an inexplicable, deep itch to erupt in your calves or quads. This isn't surface dryness; it's often linked to histamine release as blood vessels rapidly expand during recovery, especially after prolonged constriction during intense exercise. Your body's repairing mechanisms kick into overdrive, sometimes signaling nerves in ways that feel like a persistent, internal tickle or prickle. Resisting the urge to scratch your skin raw becomes a new, unique post-run challenge.

12. The "Everything Smells Intense" Syndrome

Suddenly, the aroma of a nearby bakery isn't just pleasant – it’s overwhelming. Your neighbour's laundry detergent smells like a chemical explosion. This heightened sense of smell is a lesser-known adaptation. Increased blood flow to the brain, including areas responsible for olfactory processing, combined with a generally more alert state, can amplify sensory input. You become a reluctant super-sniffer, experiencing the world in a richer, sometimes too-rich, aromatic palette.