Hey Plainsman,
1. Your aero bars may still have a benefit, even though they're higher than your regular bars, because it brings your elbows in and narrows your shoulders. However, without a front picture comparing both positions, it's really difficult to tell.

2. The triathlon swim stroke is basically the same as a regular freestyle swimmer's stroke but with a few minor differences. You will be spending some time looking forward for navigation, which is something you don't do in a pool. Also, if the water has swells or is very choppy, you may end up modifying your stroke to bring your hands and arms a little higher out of the water. Very minor differences. . .

Weightlifting, in my experience, is a poor substitute for swimming. The exercises that provide the most benefit are lat pull downs and tricep push downs. However, I've found that even when I've been lifting weights religiously while taking a break from swimming, when I get a chance to get back into the pool, the first couple times are pretty pathetic. There may be a little carryover benefit to weightlifting, but it's very marginal, in my experience.

3. One cure for a heel striker may be to shorten your stride and increase your leg turnover. That said, I don't know if it's really necessary to go against what you feel comfortable doing. A heel striker isn't necessarily a bad thing. Faris Al Sultan won the Hawaii IM in 2005 and he's a heel striker.



But before you take the advice from some fool on the internet (me!), you may want to consult someone locally who can watch you and give you feedback and tips.

Good luck on your training and race!