The agony of defeet (a cautionary tale)

When I was heading to my bike after the swim (Breezy Pt. 5/31) I felt a sharp pain in my right foot. I figured it was a small rock and tried brushing it away. Once I started the run the pain was more intense. After the race I had the medical tent check it out but they didn't see anything. The pain was still there Monday so to the doctor Tuesday. X-ray showed an object about an inch long in my foot. He wouldn't attempt to get it out and scheduled a same day appointment w/ a surgeon. A week later I had it cut out. Still not sure what it is (they gave it to me). Definitely metal and needle-like. Cleared to swim and all other activities yesterday. A nurse in pre-op actually suggested water shoes. Ironically, another racer I know had something penetrate his foot. Conspriacy? Anyway, athletes beware.