Yeah weight isn't the best measure of getting fit etc. unless you have scales which do bodyfat.

I'd recommend measuring yours waist, chest and arms and take pics like you said. Do it at the same time, usually mornings when you get up just after you go for a piss, hop on the scales then as you'll get a more accurate measurement and chances are you'll only be in your skids and you wont have had clothes constricting and food/drink bloating you.

I run on the road/beach using Vibram 5fingers which are really nice once you're used to them. I love it because i live by the sea the sun, the rain and I'm planning for a marat

Drinking lots of water stops you feeling as hungry and it helps wait loss and temperature control - a bit like a car engine, the more watter there is the more temperature and substances can dissapate.