I think our only opportunity to stay with any of the pros is if they are doing an easy recovery ride.

There's a direct correlation to the amount of time and effort put into training with your wife, you and the pros, and the speeds each can produce. If you put in the miles that they do and stepped up the training, you'd certainly be faster. It's just a matter of priorities unless there's certain physical/health limitations. Good to hear you're spending some time on the bike with the wife - I do the same.