Wife and mother. Teacher and musician. Marathoner and rock climber. At 66, Dierdre Wolownick became the oldest woman to climb El Capitan in Yosemite--and in The Sharp End of Life: A Mother’s Story, she shares her intimate journey, revealing how her climbing achievement reflects a broader story of courage and persistence.
Dierdre grew up under the watchful eyes of a domineering mother and realized early on that her parents’ plans for her future weren’t what she wanted for herself. Later, what seemed like a storybook romance brought escape, with new experiences and eye-opening travel, but she quickly discovered that her husband was not the happy-go-lucky man he had first appeared. Adapting as best she could, Dierdre juggled work and raising two young children, encouraging them to be fearlessly confident. She noted with delight how her “little lady” Stasia took it upon herself to look out for her baby brother, and watched in amazement as Alex (Honnold of "Free Solo" fame) started climbing practically before he could crawl.
After years of struggle in her marriage and her ultimate divorce, Dierdre found inspiration in her now-adult children’s passions, as well as new depths within herself. At Stasia’s urging, she took up running at age 54 and soon completed several marathons. Then at age 58, Alex led her on her first rock climbs. A world of friendship and support suddenly opened up to her within the climbing “tribe,” culminating in her record-setting ascent of El Cap with her son.
From confused young wife and busy but lonely mother to confident middle-aged athlete, Dierdre brings the reader along as she finds new strength, happiness, and community in the outdoors--and a life of learning, acceptance, and spirit.
She can be found on facebook and Instagram and upcoming Blog on La Sportiva
Stasia
www.carfreerambles.org
Mile #18- Gene Dykes-World Marathon Record (unofficially) of 2:54:23 at Age 70
Sprint Interval Workout - Gene Dykes-World Marathon Record (unofficially) of 2:54:23 at Age 70
Mile #17 - Pat Okker (7x Boston Marathon Finisher, 2x World Record Holder in Powerlifting, Olympic Style Weightlifter)
Sprint Interval Workout - Pat Okker (7x Boston Marathon Finisher, 2x World Record Holder in Powerlifting, Olympic Style Weightlifter)
Mile #16 - Matt Clancy - Triathlete, Triathlon Coach and Director of E3 Endurance
Sprint Interval Workout - Coach Matt Clancy
Mile #15-Andy Leighton (Pickleball over Parkinson's)
Sprint Interval Workout -Andy Leighton ( Pickleball over Parkinson's)
Mile #14 - Sam Tahhan - Award Winning TV/Film Writer, Boulder Rugby Player
Sprint Interval Workout - Sam Tahhan -TV/Film Writer, Former Professional Golfer and Current Old Boys Rugby Player
Sprint Interval Workout -Dierdre Wolownick
Mile #12 -Dave Haase - Ultra Cyclist - 5 time Solo RAAM Finisher
Sprint Interval Workout -Dave Haase
Mile #11 - Beth Warren
Sprint Interval Workout - Beth Warren
Aide Station #1 - Sept 28th Livestream Event to Weathered Athlete Facebook Group
Mile #10 - Bob Becker -Race Director of the Keys 100 and current record holder at age 74 of 230 miles in 74 hours at A Race For The Ages
Sprint Interval Workout -Bob Becker
Mile #9 - Mike Studer PT. Clinician of the Year in the Neurologic and Geriatric Academies of the APTA and received Fellowship in the APTA in 2020.
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