I don’t like getting sweaty unless there is a lake, river or ocean nearby.

So I HAD to purchase new items of clothing for my Boogie training in order to keep cool.

Hard to swallow was being told cotton is verboten since it gets wet and stays wet.

I loathe wearing synthetic clothing almost as much as being sweaty, but took the plunge at a local running store with new runners, a light-weight, quick-dry T-shirt, two long-sleeved shirts and some socks.

I didn’t know there was anything wrong with regular cotton tube socks until the store owner blanched. Did I really want to wear socks that might cause my feet to get sweaty and damp, potentially leading to blisters or hot spots?

Caught up in shopper’s high, I bought not only one pair but four, including one ridiculously priced ($19) pair, made from Merino wool, knit in Vermont and offering a lifetime guarantee. Plus, they’re so pretty with purple snowflakes or flowers on them … how could I resist?

Other than last Tuesday, it’s been cool enough that I’ve barely broken a sweat — maybe my new gear is working — but hotter days loom. Not all the socks feel fabulous but I am hooked on the wool ones.

Drove my route after training alone one day and was amazed the walk-run routine had taken me six kilometres in 45 minutes; I’m only planning to run the 5K in Boogie, after all.

A couple more weeks to race day — I’m feeling ready.