What would you do if someone told you that you were too old to chase a dream? For Dierdre Wolownick, the answer was simple: prove them wrong.

At 66, she did something that would challenge even the fittest athletes—she climbed El Capitan, one of the most iconic rock faces in the world, in a single day. And she didn’t do it alone—she tackled the climb alongside her son, legendary climber Alex Honnold. But Dierdre’s journey is about so much more than just scaling a mountain. It’s about defying expectations, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and discovering just how much we’re capable of—at any stage of life.

In this episode, Dierdre shares her remarkable story of resilience, reinvention, and personal growth. From navigating an unsupportive marriage to redefining what’s possible in her later years, she opens up about the mindset shifts that allowed her to push past fear and self-doubt. We’ll also talk about what it’s really like to climb with Alex Honnold (spoiler: he doesn’t slow down for anyone), the power of preparation, and why she chose to go back up El Cap at 70—this time on her terms.

Dierdre’s story is proof that life doesn’t slow down unless you let it. Whether you’re a climber, an adventurer at heart, or just someone looking for a spark of inspiration to take on your next big challenge, this episode is for you.

Takeaways:

• Deirdre Wolownick's journey exemplifies the profound impact of pursuing one's passions despite societal expectations and personal challenges.
• The importance of self-motivation is paramount, especially when navigating unsupportive relationships that may hinder personal growth.
• Overcoming physical limitations and age-related stereotypes can lead to remarkable achievements, as demonstrated by Deirdre's climbing feats.
• Journaling serves as an effective tool for self-reflection and planning, empowering individuals to take actionable steps toward their goals.
• Recognizing that growing older is a privilege can inspire individuals to embrace life fully and pursue their dreams without hesitation.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Subscribe to the Thriving Through Time Newsletter: bit.ly/navigateaging
• Subscribe to Dierdre's blog: Dierdre's place | A site about exploration
• Connect with Dierdre on Instagram: @dierdre_wolownick_honnold