My 11 year old daughter just started boxing and has been to two lessons so far. The gym has a good atmosphere, and coach is a pretty decent guy. One of those teacher types that doesn’t scream and swear.

It’s heavy on cardio, and is kicking my child’s ass. 5 suicides, another handful of backwards suicides, some sprints, and running two miles. Then bag work, bobbing, and jump rope.

The gym is open 4 days a week but due to distance and funds, can only go 1-2 times a week.

I knew it would involve running, so I spent a few weeks before we started getting her to run each day. And tonight I caught her laying in bed legitimately crying because she tried to run the mile on her own time like coach asked everyone to do, but cramped up after a quarter of a mile.

She really wants this. I want her to work hard, and I can see that she’s giving it all of her effort. What can I do and say to encourage her?