Peaking and Tapering

So, El Presidente and I have been joking about an article we read in Master Skier while we were sniffing gear at Alpenglow Sports. The question we are debating: If your training base is zero - like some fossils who shall remain nameless - does that mean you have done a successful taper, or does it mean that joining the gym is the start of your peaking?

A huge existential question ... however we had a good day at the gym (notice Mark hefting the three pound dumb bell), followed by a sauna, and then a hike into Blackwood Canyon.