An ultra running documentary, done differently. When we found out that INOV8 ambassador and friend of the brand Tommy Lewis (AKA @TommyRunPT) had made a film, we were excited. And we’re pleased to say the film doesn’t disappoint.
The 30-minute film is perfect to sit down with a coffee for, ahead of that Sunday morning long run. It speaks to why we run, what it gives to us, and why connecting with nature is so incredibly powerful for us as human beings.
We caught up with Tommy, as well as Max Morrison – the film’s director – for a Q&A to find out more about the message and production. If you can’t wait, the full film can be viewed on YouTube – here’s the trailer to whet your appetite:
Tommy – can you tell us a bit about who you are and your journey?
TL - I’m an ultra-runner, coach, podcast host, maker of content all focused on helping people build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with running.
I guess my journey started in the corporate world, but over time I realised running was giving me far more than fitness - it gave me challenge, perspective, confidence, and a deeper connection to life outdoors. That eventually pushed me to leave corporate life and build That’s Runnable full-time.
Now I create content, coaching, and conversations centred around longevity, strength, mindset, and finding meaning in running beyond just performance and pace.
What is the message of the film?
TL - The film is really an attempt to remind people of something they already know deep down. Through my own experiences, engaging with thousands of runners online, and helping people with their running and strength training, I’ve seen how noisy the modern running world can become. It’s easy to get pulled towards the wrong things - performance alone, optimisation, comparison, gear - and in the process, tie too much of our self-worth to outcomes.
To me, that’s a real shame. Running has had a profound impact on my life, and through sharing my own story and perspective, I simply hope this film encourages people to approach running in a way that lifts them up, reconnects them with themselves, and reminds them of the deeper, more transformative reasons we choose to step out the door each day.
Max – can you tell us a bit about how the film came about?
MM - This was a film that I had wanted to make for quite some time. While I didn't know what the exact focus of the story would be, I knew I needed to connect with an ultra-trail runner who had the ability to speak openly and confidently about their experiences in running. After following Tommy on social media for a few years and enjoying the content he put out, I decided that not only did he have what I was looking for - but after connecting with him on email, I also realised he had a lot to bring to the story & creative also.
After discussing different narratives for the film with Tommy, we settled on a direction that would differentiate this film from your usual ultra-trail documentary. Instead of following an athlete on a race or during their training block, we would set out to make a film that focused on a unique philosophy and approach to running, something which is very important to Tommy and the core message behind his social media output.
What’s your favourite part and why?
MM - My favourite part of the film is probably the intro sequence. This was the first segment of the film that I edited when I began to work on the film and it really helped me personally to set out the mission statement for it. Combined with the excitement of sitting down to start the edit and watching back all of the incredible footage captured by my Director of Photography: Chris Thomson, I was very pleased to see this particular sequence come together in the way it did.
TL - I think my favourite part of the film is when my friend Brim - who I did ENDURE24 with - claims he could do a lap in his Crocs, if he just puts them in "sports mode".
The trail running locations look epic. Could you tell us where these were filmed?
MM - The film was shot across London, Reading and the Peak District. London was used as a base to film the sequences relevant to Tommy's home life, local training routes and segments of the film that promote anyone's ability to access nature and trails (even in a city like London).
After wrapping filming in London, we then spent a day filming in Reading at Endure24, where Tommy took on a looped ultra race. This was our first time filming him on trails...and for the 6 hours that we filmed, I don't think it stopped raining once!
Prior to making the film, I had personally begun to spend a lot of time running and hiking in the Peak District. In the build up to production, I was very keen to ensure we had time to shoot in this beautiful part of the country.
Tommy - in the film you mention the increasing noise from the running industry. Can you tell us why you choose to work with INOV8 and what makes us different?
TL - INOV8 stands proudly behind what they believe in. What I mean by that is, unlike many shoes on the market, it’s clear to me that they design theirs with the health and function of the foot in mind. I can imagine it would be easy to follow trends or cut corners, but INOV8 continue to make products that genuinely perform in the conditions they’re built for.
It feels like an honest brand with products made for people who love the outdoors, by people who love the outdoors.
Max – Tommy’s running is well documented, but we understand that you’re an ultra-runner also. What was your journey into becoming a runner?
MM - Part of the reason for my interest in making a film about ultra-trail running stems from my own passion for running and interest in the sport. Like Tommy, I've found huge benefits to my mental and physical health over the years as a result of being a consistent runner.
Funny story, during the filming block with Tommy - one night after we'd wrapped, I actually entered my first 'ultra race' - a looped Backyard Ultra inspired format, where I managed to put down 88km in 12 hours. This was something I'd wanted to sign up to for quite some time, but after a few days chatting to Tommy about all things running...I was hooked and had built up the courage to bite the bullet and enter that race! I now have a 90km ultra coming up in June in Scotland, which I think will be my toughest challenge yet.
What next for An Invitation To Run Differently?
MM - After a really successful first screening in London in April this year, we do have plans to enter the film into some film festivals throughout the course of 2026. The film will also be available to watch for free on YouTube, which we hope will encourage people to get behind the message and share it amongst their friends and running communities.
Regarding a sequel...who knows! I'm very keen to work with Tommy on something again. It was a great experience enjoyed by all and something I think we'll all look back on in the future as a real success.
Also, can I just say a huge thank you to my Director of Photography and good friend: Chris Thomson, whose efforts and enthusiasm for making this film look as good as possible have played a vital part in the end product.
TL - What I can say to this is That's Runnable is on a mission to highlight real stories from real people in the space we love. As an ultra-runner, I've had amazing interactions with people on the trails at races with stories I believe deserve to be told. There won't be a sequel to this film per se, but you can expect more short stories highlighting ordinary people doing extraordinary things with the hope to inspire others to realise how capable they are.
And finally, coming back to the message of the film, do you have any final thoughts?
TL - I believe running — and the transformative power it holds — is accessible to far more people than most realise. More than ever, I think people are craving real stories from ordinary people who’ve changed their lives through the simple act of getting outside and moving.
Extraordinary things can happen when we stop waiting for permission, take ownership of our lives, and use the tools already available to us: our bodies, the outdoors, and the willingness to begin and keep going.
