Wow, loved your take on this. And super impressed that at 60+ you still have sub-3 in your sights.
I turned 60 this year, and my big goal was to break 3 hours this month. At 58, I ran 3:07 on low mileage and only nine months of serious training. So I figured I had a shot. Unfortunately, injuries have taken a big toll since then, and it's never gonna happen.
But, you know, last year, with no marathon on my calendar, I just enjoyed running and racing. From 1-mile on the track to 5Ks, 10K, 15Ks. Even with the injuries, I could train enough to be age-group competitive, and really had fun.
It's a shame marathons are so expensive these days. That, along with the fact that most of the best ones sell out so early, makes each marathon "a big deal." And leads to the "just one a year" mentality.
The popular 18- and 20-week training plans also play into the perception that each marathon must be a singular long-term focus.
Back in the 1970s and 80s, though, runners were more likely to jump into multiple marathons each year. Bill Rodgers raced five marathons in 1976, and six marathons in 1977!
As a young runner, my first six marathons were within 14 months. Only one wasn't a PR. I started with a 3:15, and improved to 2:40.
My seventh marathon SHOULD have been a PR, but wasn't. From that experience, this is my advice: Race today, because tomorrow has no guarantees.
It was 1983. Boston. PERFECT conditions. More runners would break 2:20 than at any Boston Marathon before or since -- 84! By comparison, only 22 were under 2:20 at the super-fast 2011 race.
My winter training had been phenomenal, and I was in the best shape of my life. But I was targeting a fall marathon for a massive PR. My thinking: "Boston is special ... I'll just run easy ... enjoy the atmosphere."
That massive PR planned for my fall marathon? Never happened. Another PR never happened. Ever. Instead, a new career and mega work hours. House, marriage, kids. Life.
Give yourself a chance for a PR this year. Race and enjoy the moment. Best wishes!