I think it just depends on the woman. Me and my BF are about the same heights as you and your wife. He can climb up hills like a scared cat, I can't but I can overpower him on just about any long sprint and I can maintain near max speed much longer and easier than he can. Don't know why this is but it's just how it is sometimes. He makes comments about me "Handing him his a$$" but it doesn't really bother him. We actually like pushing each other it makes for a great workout so let your wife do that for you. Try your best to stay with her up those hills, you'll get stronger but it doesn't happen over night.