Kona Johnson, a Hawaii local, recently spent his two weeks in quarantine undertaking two gruelling physical challenges, to help pass the time and to raise money for charity. If running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours was not enough, Kona promised one push up for every $1 he raised! We chatted to him about the challenges.

You managed to run 4 miles, every 4 hours, for 48 hours, that’s amazing! How did you feel during and after the challenge?

Thank you! I feel great at the moment, especially since I’ve been re-immersed in the outdoors. But right after the challenge ended was another story, my mind felt hazy and my muscles were pretty knotted up, especially after the push up-for-every-dollar-given bonus challenge.  I think the hardest part was missing sleep. Running four miles isn’t too bad, but getting up in the middle of the night to do it was a bit of challenge!

Why did you choose to do a fundraiser during quarantine?

The fundraising aspect of the challenge was inspired by the challenge creator, former United States Navy Seal and now author, David Goggins. He encouraged anyone attempting to do it to support a charity, which struck a chord with me. I had done a couple physical endurance challenges in the previous year while also working for an environmental non-profit in my hometown, which gave me insight into the power of raising money for important issues. So, combining fundraising and the joy of pushing physical limits was an obvious choice!

Why did you choose OzHarvest as one of the charity recipients?

I wanted to support a group within my own community as you can see firsthand the impact of your support, however, I also wanted to help an Australian organisation as I would be here for the next three months. My hometown organisation was an easy choice because it was the same one I had worked for over the past few years, the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation (KHF).

I didn’t know which charity I would support in Australia, but I knew that it would make sense to find one that did similar work. Through researching organisations that work on issues around food and education I found OzHarvest. You guys are reducing food waste and feeding the hungry, and showing the next generation how to do the same through education – it was a perfect fit!

 

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