For example, if I want to stay "Running is very tiresome.", would I say:
Courir est très ennuyeux.
OR
Courant est très ennuyeux.
Why? Is there a specific rule that allows you to discern when to use the regular verb instead of the gerund? Or do you just have to memorize when you're supposed to use each one through repitition?
Also, if I wanted to say "This plan provides many benefits while minimizing loss of assets.", would I say:
Ce plan offre de nombreux avantages tout en minimiser la perte d'actifs.
OR
Ce plan offre de nombreux avantages tout en minimisant la perte d'actifs.
Note that in this second example, "minimiser" is being used as an adjective, whereas "courir" was a noun in the first example. Would that change the choice between gerund and the regular verb either?