when should I start c25k?

I vote just start it and see how you feel. That's what I did. If you find you are too winded after the running portions, it's okay to extend the walking portions or repeat days (I did this a lot). Something else you can try is simply walking the entire route you plan to use for a couple weeks before you start.

Really, it's a great program. It eases you into it, and never gives you more than you are able to handle as long as you listen to your body too. You'll rock this! It sounds like you are already fitter than I was when I started. Good luck!

*And for further motivation, just keep telling yourself that it will only get easier the more you do it. Your muscles will get stronger and you body will get lighter! What a deal!

You should be fine, just start slowly and get fitted for running shoes first. All of my initial running setbacks were from being too stingy to get GOOD shoes and my body definitely paid for it. Good shoes and a good sports bra set me back nearly $200, which was enough to give me major anxiety. I eventually realized that it's an investment in myself and I need to keep going in order to justify that investment.

Also, jog, don't run. You're not trying to set record times in the beginning. Work on strengthening your muscles, bones, tendons, etc and you'll get faster later. Take rest/active recovery days in between. I started Zombies, Run! 5K training in the 200# range and am going strong.

You can start it now. If you're anything like me (which based on the stats you posted, you are), you'll hate your life during the running portions on the first day, but if you push through that, you'll be fine. I'm only on Week 3 now (actually doing W3D1 tonight after work), and I look forward to it. Remember that there's nothing wrong with going slow or repeating weeks or days. It takes time.

ETA: agreement with what someone else said... go slow! When you start out and while you're doing c25k, you're trying to get your stride, breathing, pace, etc. correct, not going for a personal record. Don't worry about that until you're comfortably running for extended periods of time.

I've done Zumba a couple times. If you can do that you can surely start c25k. It starts off with walking and like 1 minute intervals of running.

start it at any time, week 1 and 2 are easy, week 3 IMO are when things pick up. I am on week 4.

Right now.

Start lifting weights too.

Yup, right now. Get up from the computer, put on your shoes and go.

Start now. I am 240 lbs and started the program this week. Week 1Day 1 kicked my butt. Im only on week 1 day 2 lol but its true what others have said. I jog and pace myself. Learn to breathe through the running and try to maintain the same breathing techniques as you walk. Take your time. My ankles and calves were killing me but I pushed through the pain and was soo excited to see i finsihed day 1 I have an app on my phone. So I plug in Pandora and my app instructs me when to walk and when to jog. Good luck,

Too heavy?

I "ran" a 10k at 375lbs
I did a 2 triathlons at 350lbs

Start now...

I'm pretty sure everything after this poster is obsolete! Seriously? Look at those stats and what he accomplished! Get it done!

Start it now. No excuses.

I think you could start now especially since you have been doing zumba which is mid-high impact depending on the routine and effort. Running is high impact for sure and if you are worried about certain joints you can get materials that can help stabilize those areas while you run although I wouldn't think you'd need it unless you have had problems with your ankles/knees before.

Start now. I am 240 lbs and started the program this week. Week 1Day 1 kicked my butt. Im only on week 1 day 2 lol but its true what others have said. I jog and pace myself. Learn to breathe through the running and try to maintain the same breathing techniques as you walk. Take your time. My ankles and calves were killing me but I pushed through the pain and was soo excited to see i finsihed day 1 I have an app on my phone. So I plug in Pandora and my app instructs me when to walk and when to jog. Good luck,

^^^ This for me also!! I also play Pandora and use the app at the same time. I have a Zumba Fitness station on my Pandora that really put me in the mood!! Day 1 did hurt while I was doing it, but afterwards, I felt really good!!

I weighed about 220 when I started c25k originally. It kicked my butt, but since you are doing moderately high impact cardio like zumba already, your joints can probably take it.