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Was That Thunder?: More Than A Boston Marathon Bombing Story
In 2013, Greg Kalkwarf finished the Boston Marathon with a personal record of 3:56:03.
Minutes later, a loud boom cracked the sky.
Running a marathon—through a snowstorm—up and down a 14,000-foot mountain is a challenge. But, enduring that journey served as great preparation for the life-changing moments Greg Kalkwarf experienced in a 13-month period: a raging forest fire, the tragic death of a family member, the happy birth of a baby girl, a crosswalk collision with a taxi cab, and a terrorist bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
Greg’s experience illustrates goal-setting, trying new challenges, determination, self-belief, and overcoming adversity. His journey encompasses a spectrum of emotions, captured in a 26.2-chapter book reflecting the miles of a marathon experience.
Minutes later, a loud boom cracked the sky.
Running a marathon—through a snowstorm—up and down a 14,000-foot mountain is a challenge. But, enduring that journey served as great preparation for the life-changing moments Greg Kalkwarf experienced in a 13-month period: a raging forest fire, the tragic death of a family member, the happy birth of a baby girl, a crosswalk collision with a taxi cab, and a terrorist bombing at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
Greg’s experience illustrates goal-setting, trying new challenges, determination, self-belief, and overcoming adversity. His journey encompasses a spectrum of emotions, captured in a 26.2-chapter book reflecting the miles of a marathon experience.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2018
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Greg Kalkwarf
2 books2 followersWas That Thunder? is Greg Kalkwarf's first published book. He resides with his family in the mountains outside of Denver, Colorado. When not running or hiking, he is probably watching a baseball game. A Nebraska native, Greg has completed ten marathons in Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts and Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 15, 2018
Thanks to a jury summons, I had several hours to read this book and get absorbed in the story of Greg's experience as a runner and finishing the Boston Marathon right before the bombing in 2013. While the Boston Marathon part was crazy, I really enjoyed hearing about his journey as a runner and what it's like to run a marathon (something I'll never do).
April 13, 2018
This is an interesting book where the author tells of his experience in preparing for the Boston Marathon of 2013, and the explosion that followed after his 3:56:03 finish. It is well written and holds your interest from start to finish.
October 25, 2018
I'm biased, but if nothing else, I will tell you that this book is heartfelt! :)
April 21, 2025
If you desire a challenge or appreciate stories including family life, building relationships, developing fortitude, displaying sportsmanship, and ordinary people completing extraordinary feats, read "Was That Thunder? More Than a Boston Marathon Bombing Story" by Greg Kalkwarf. With experiences in Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas, Greg’s “journey through adversity,” is beyond typical marathon training.
Kalkwarf’s professional connections and knowledge of baseball and distance running guided him as he faced a snowstorm during the Peak 2008 marathon. Elevation, rugged terrain, technical footing, and icy conditions challenged the athletes; nonetheless, teamwork helped them conquer the mountain. With a memory for dates and a keen sense of humor, Kalkwarf’s quest to support those truly facing adversity, he endorsed the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Underwearness, the Alzheimer's Association, and other organizations.
Digesting various books, assorted publications, and inspirational biographies from the local library provided Greg with mental training. With an “I run so I can eat” attitude, Kalkwarf trained by running up and down Colorado mountains, parking garages, office stairs, and myriad courses in addition to Kansas and Nebraska rolling hills and plains despite inclement weather.
Encountering a raging forest fire near his Colorado home, the sudden death of a family member, diagnosis of a fatal disease of another family member, a car collision, and a terrorist attack, Greg chose happiness over fear. With the unwavering encouragement of his wife Kirsta before, during, and after her two pregnancies, Greg was inspired and determined.
Was it divine intervention that Greg “finished the Boston Marathon with a personal record of 3:56:03,” then minutes later, a loud boom cracked the sky? By finishing earlier than anticipated, Greg, his wife, and young children were spared. As a result of this tragedy, three died, a dozen lost limbs, hundreds were injured, and numerous PTSD victims, runners, and volunteers were emotionally scarred. Enduring the 2013 marathon was more severe than insanity drills, injuries, agony, and the effort balancing work, family, and training exercises.
“Face your fears” and read "Was That Thunder? More Than a Boston Marathon Bombing Story" with 26.2 chapters focused on an incredible journey to move others forward.
At the time of this publication, Greg completed ten marathons in Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, and Nebraska. If he is not spending time with his family, running, hiking, or watching baseball, you can follow him online or at an upcoming marathon.
Kalkwarf’s professional connections and knowledge of baseball and distance running guided him as he faced a snowstorm during the Peak 2008 marathon. Elevation, rugged terrain, technical footing, and icy conditions challenged the athletes; nonetheless, teamwork helped them conquer the mountain. With a memory for dates and a keen sense of humor, Kalkwarf’s quest to support those truly facing adversity, he endorsed the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Underwearness, the Alzheimer's Association, and other organizations.
Digesting various books, assorted publications, and inspirational biographies from the local library provided Greg with mental training. With an “I run so I can eat” attitude, Kalkwarf trained by running up and down Colorado mountains, parking garages, office stairs, and myriad courses in addition to Kansas and Nebraska rolling hills and plains despite inclement weather.
Encountering a raging forest fire near his Colorado home, the sudden death of a family member, diagnosis of a fatal disease of another family member, a car collision, and a terrorist attack, Greg chose happiness over fear. With the unwavering encouragement of his wife Kirsta before, during, and after her two pregnancies, Greg was inspired and determined.
Was it divine intervention that Greg “finished the Boston Marathon with a personal record of 3:56:03,” then minutes later, a loud boom cracked the sky? By finishing earlier than anticipated, Greg, his wife, and young children were spared. As a result of this tragedy, three died, a dozen lost limbs, hundreds were injured, and numerous PTSD victims, runners, and volunteers were emotionally scarred. Enduring the 2013 marathon was more severe than insanity drills, injuries, agony, and the effort balancing work, family, and training exercises.
“Face your fears” and read "Was That Thunder? More Than a Boston Marathon Bombing Story" with 26.2 chapters focused on an incredible journey to move others forward.
At the time of this publication, Greg completed ten marathons in Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, and Nebraska. If he is not spending time with his family, running, hiking, or watching baseball, you can follow him online or at an upcoming marathon.
April 9, 2018
What an inside look, leading up to and following the Boston Marathon bombings through runner’s personal experience.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews