Judge tosses ticket for backward jogger

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Aug. 21 (UPI) -- A Florida judge dismissed a ticket issued to a man jogging backward and said he can continue the practice so long as he stays in bike lanes.

The judge dismissed the $77.50 ticket issued in April to Alex Mesa, who Miami Beach police said was obstructing traffic by jogging backward, WFOR-TV, Miami, reported Wednesday.

The judge told Mesa he can continue his practice of jogging backward as long as he remains in the bike lanes.

Mesa said jogging backward puts less strain on his body. He said he was afraid to exercise since receiving the ticket.

"Every time I went jogging, it felt like I was going to buy drugs, like I was sneaking out and doing something wrong and that was an uncomfortable feeling, but I wasn't going to let that stop me because I know very well I came very far to get to where I'm at," Mesa said.