This is the thirty-sixth edition of The Duluth Runner Interview Series, where I get in touch with (mainly) local runners and athletes to share a bit of their story while inspiring others to pursue an active lifestyle.

Intro

Today’s guest hails from Hermantown, and for the second interview in a row, it was another chance encounter for me on the trail – this time while hiking up Carlton Peak.

He got into running about 3 years ago, quickly transitioned to trails after giving Grandma’s Marathon a try, and hasn’t looked back since! Recently retired from the 148th Fighter Wing here in Duluth….today’s guest is Blye Chehock!

Interview

What inspired you to do a Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) thru-hike? Were you into hiking prior to attempting your hike?

It’s not so much of what inspired me, versus who.

I was turned trail-junky by a great friend and mentor Neil Runions (“Stache”). He told me from day one, “You’ll love the trail, you walk the hills, eat anything you want, and you always cool off with a IPA. Earlier this year, in late May, Neil and I completed a West to East hike of the Border Route Trail (BRT).

In preparation for this thru hike, I tried to eliminate what I could control. I dropped 25lbs of body weight by switching to an intermittent fast (IF) and dropped 15lbs of carry weight. Switching to a Zpacks Nero 38L was the first of many ultralight equipment items. Start small and light and buy a good postal scale to weigh every single item…

My only prior Thru Hike was attempted last year (Sept 2019) on the SHT with Neil. I will never forget my wife and daughter picking me up at Cascade State Park on day three. The wet weather and poor foot care left me with deep compression cuts on my feet. I have never accepted failure very well! This failure was a great motivator which I used a month later in the completing my first 100K (Wild Duluth, thanks Andy/Adventure Running Co. for such a great event).

You chose to go North-to-South, who dropped you off near the Canadian border?

For the second year in a row, my in-laws (Dan and Irene) made that left hand turn off Hwy 61 onto the Arrowhead Trail. It wasn’t until a few days into the hike that I realized how parallel these two beginnings were. We left Duluth at 5:00am, breakfast at SOBO (Southbound) in Grand Marais at 7:00am. I started my Garmin InReach and Garmin 235 watch four minutes earlier than I had done with Neil the year prior. Pretty crazy when that was totally unplanned.

What was going through your head as you took your first steps on the trail?

As I left the small parking lot heading up the trail to the Northern Terminus I remember I had a huge smile after I realized how much lighter I felt underfoot. It completely reinforced the IF eating and time consuming research into ultralight weight equipment.

Did you ever consider calling it quits at any point?

I had told multiple people that the only way I wasn’t going to complete this Thru-Hike would be if I had received a compound fracture. Last year’s failure was all the motivation I needed.

How was your experience meeting people along the trail?

People on trail…this is probably one of the biggest reasons I am hooked on the trail running/hiking. Everyone is so friendly…they want to hear your story/plans, and they want to share their’s. Out there for the enjoyment vs. running down the road to ensure you maintain that 7:45 pace at all costs. Of course sharing a beer and/or Bloody Mary (sodium replenishment) with cool runners/hiking can never be a bad thing.

Any cool wildlife sightings?

Along the trail I stopped counting Grouse. I encountered the majority between the Northern Terminus and Beaver Bay. Many acted if they have never seen a human before. I had multiple encounters where they would parallel me for 10-20 yards as if they were ensuring I stayed on the SHT and not their territory.

It is no secret that the Pine Marten population is down after completing this hike, the chipmunks and red squirrels abounded without a care in the world, maybe a few had been fed by a hiker a time or two. I had hoped to catch a glimpse or two of some moose, as a side note; on the 2nd night of the BRT hike as Neil and I were setting up camp we had a dry (no calves) cow moose wander in and allow a few photos. I have a strong opinion as to the moose population in Minnesota. I will just say that I find it extremely telling that they had to introduce more timber wolves to Isle Royale because there were too many moose.

I was surprised by the several Black Bears which I saw during my hike. I had figured that I may see a bear or two given the cool weather. The first was just after crossing the Gunflint Trail. I had completed the never ending uphill climb when I noticed the bear ahead of the trail obscured by some brush/foliage. The bear took notice of me and was quick to disappear. I watched a cub plunder an apple tree while staying at Lutsen. The third bear I saw was by Tettgouche State Park. It was was meandering through the edge of the pines on the look for some calories.

The last two I encountered were South of the Rossini Road trailhead. I considered this encounter as fortunate, for me. The section of trail was very runnable, but due to a few roots I had to keep head down to ensure proper footing. I was just making my way around a corner I heard an animal blow familiar to me as that of a deer. However, when I looked up there was a sow at about 30 yards and a single cub about five yards behind her. I stood in disbelief as the next few seconds transpired. On almost cue, both bears ran out to the trail and headed down the SHT continuing around the corner.

Upon them disappearing, my first thoughts were how happy I was not to be in town. Anyone who has encountered blacks bears within the City of Duluth realize that these bears are on there own agenda and usually they are not too quick to depart. As I pressed onward I came to an area with some deadfall, passing by I quickly recognized the distinct smell of the bears. I never did see them.

Tell us a bit about your approach, pack/shelter setup, etc.

I was convinced that going as light as possible was going to be my course this time. Although I was supported most nights, I was careful to be sure I had enough calories and equipment for an unplanned overnight or failed resupply.

A person can get crazy light if they are willing to put comfort, hunger, and safety aside. I can rough it and handle the lack of calories but I won’t compromise my safety or those I’m with for a recreational activity. I consider a Garmin Inreach and a minimal first aid kit as essential. For this thru-hike I chose to go with the Zpacks 38L Nero. It is insanely light at 11oz.

I utilized a small Therm-a-Rest z lite Sol sleeping pad as the pack’s structure as well as my nightly sleeping pad. I swapped back and forth between a Big Anges Fussell 850 Quilt and 15F Nemo Disco sleeping bag. Most nights the quilt was the preferred choice.

Remember, I am a little OCD? I switched between three different sleep shelters. Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL1, Outdoor Research Helium bivy, and a $12.99 Triwonder Hammock Rain Fly. I have really fallen in love with the idea of less is more. The UL1 is absolute rock solid. It about as simple as a tent setup can get. The bivy is stellar for being compact and very carrying friendly. What can I really say about an Amazon purchase? For $12.99, and two day wait I had a blue, non crinkling sounding tarp.

One thing I absolutely hate is condensation and being clammy when I wake up. I do my best to prevent this, but all it takes is a slight roll and your touching a tent rain fly. Bivy sacks are known for bullet proof protection from the elements but breath-ability is always a topic of discussion. The Helium did have a zippered bug screen which allowed me keep the storm fly tied up out of the way. I thought this was going to be the ticket but still managed to awake to a damp sleeping bag. Midnight latrine visits are unwelcome because getting and out of the bivy isn’t exactly automatic. I’m not sure if it was the cool dry temps or just being tired but I found my favorite set was simply the z lite Sol on the ground, my Nemo bag, and the blue tarp tied off from each corner overhead to keep the dew and any unforeseen rain showers.

KISS, keep it simple stupid! Of course I always have to scratch that itch, I have spent the last eight of ten nights sleeping outside in a hammock setup from Bear Butt. I like the simplicity, flexibility, and not having to find that perfectly flat ground. I’m not sure that I will be able to adapt to it or stick with the plain tarp setup.

Did you stay on the trail each night or splurge a bit on some luxury arrangements along the way?

I definitely splurged and spend two nights at Lutsen Mtn Inn. It was Amy’s (me wife) birthday on the Saturday we were there, so we enjoyed a run into Grand Marais and then some wine sampling at Lutsen. On Sunday, it was Neil’s turn to pamper his wife as it was Kelly’s birthday. It definitely was nice to relax and enjoy the time with friends. I also spent a night in Beaver Bay at the Highway 61 Bar/Hotel. This is one of the best kept secrets on the North shore IMHO. The food is always great and the rooms are awesome and very reasonable.

What are the biggest lessons the SHT taught you?

It is impossible to over-train both physically and mentally for the SHT all in one shot. It will expose any weaknesses, and any minor injury can turn into something worse. Have a plan for each day, but more importantly realize that this plan will be altered no matter how rigid you may think you are. Hydration and calories are more important than most people will ever realize. Very, very few people will ever complete the whole SHT without some form of help from friends and family. Make sure you let them know how much you appreciate their time and support.

What was your highlight from the trip? Hardest challenge?

On trail highlight, I found a lone majestic pine tree along the trail which had a perfect view of the Gitch along with a view of the tree canopies. I can’t wait to go back to that tree and spend a day lounging with Amy and enjoying the view/company.

Off trail highlight was definitely the down time at Lutsen.

Hardest challenge to me was the day I spent hiking through Tettegouche…for some reason it just felt like every step I took was uphill that day.

How many miles per day did you travel?

This is where things kinda got out of control. I I owe Neil a steak dinner, he told me that I would deviate from my rigid plan as documented. Either speed up or slow down…he was right on day one!

I was planning to stay at South Carlson Pond (18ish miles) but instead pushed it up and spent the night at Judge CR Magney State Park (31 miles). I averaged a full marathon each of the 12 days of the duration of the trip. I was actually closer to 30 mile days if you subtract the day and half in Lutsen which I didn’t hike. I had two days back to back which were a little bit over 37 mile days.

These were South of Beaver Bay. It was planned to be pretty aggressive schedule but once I started rolling I had zero rain, no bugs, cool temps and felt awesome.

Has your life changed since you finished the SHT? If yes, how?

Thru hiking the SHT was a bigger deal than I realized. I was surprised on the number of people I encountered who were seemingly amazed to actually meet someone that was thru hiking the SHT. I had wondered if being alone for so much of the time would be an issue but I actually enjoyed it.

Would you do it again?

When I do it again it will probably be a NOBO (Northbound), or supported trail run (sub 10 days), or slower (15-18 days). Mentally, I was ready the week after for a NOBO but physically it was two weeks for the swelling to go away.

What advice would you give someone who wants to attempt an SHT thru-hike?

Go with someone who has already done it. They know the trail and have probably wrestled with the mental demons who keep telling you how tired you are, how hurt you feel, how much pain you are in…

There’s a level of safety as well with going with another person. Two is one, one is none philosophy. If the solo thing is still your choice then obviously the lighter the better – both body and equipment.

Most importantly, have the mental aspect locked up tight. As soon as you start getting fatigued the mental games will begin. They always do…

Closing

Many thanks to Blye for agreeing to stop by The Duluth Runner and share some of his knowledge/experiences with everyone. I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Interview Series – stick around for more to come!