Running in the fields around my village is particularly enjoyable. The land is relatively flat and the scenery is lovely. For example, on clear days, I can see the Alpine foothills and the Schneeberg in the distance. Another positive is I always encounter many kinds of wildlife during a run, from cranes and ducks near the river flowing through the landscape, to the small clusters of red or roe deer grazing in the fields near the thickets. Occasionally, I inadvertently flush out some pheasants or catch the attention of the local fox, an intensely curious fellow that often stares at me from beneath the cover of an elderberry bush. But the animals I encounter most are rabbits, more specifically European hare.
Though abundant in other countries, the European hare population in Hungary is relatively small. Having said this, they seem to be quite plentiful in my region because I never fail to encounter at least three or four during a run. Like the fox, the hares are often curious when they see me approaching and choose to dart away only when the distance between us is less than ten meters. Sometimes they decide to run in the same direction I am running, and for a half-a-minute or so it almost seems as if the rabbits and I are out for a run together.
As a result, I have decided my Sioux name, were I ever honored with one, would simply have to be - Runs With Rabbits.
Granted, it's not nearly as magical (or manly) as Dances with Wolves, but as far as I know, there are no wolves in Hungary. Besides, Runs With Rabbits would still be far better than the only other possible options - Breathes Too Hard or Sweats Too Much.