"WIFE AND MOTHER. Teacher and musician. Marathoner and rock climber. At 66, Dierdre Wolownick became the oldest woman to climb El Capitan in Yosemit--and in [this book], she shares her intimate journey, revealing how her climbing achievement reflects a broader story of courage and persistence. Dierdre grew up underthe 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 wand eye-opening travel, but she quickly discovered that her husband was not the happy-go-luckyman he had first appeared. Adapting as best she could, Dierdre juddled work and raising two young children, encouraging them to be fearlessly confident. She noted with delight how her 'liittle lady' Stasia took it upon herself to look out for her baby brother, and watched in amazement aas Alex stated 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 wella s new depths within herslef. At Stasia's urging, she took up running at age 54 and new completed several marathons. A few years later, Alex led Dierdre on her first rock climbs. A world of friendship and suppor 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 strenght, happiness, and community in the outdoors--and a life of learning, acceptance, and spirit"-- Jacket.