for the weak. Which is what my character is right now. I've been slinking outside of the border of whiterun killing cats and dogs and other small game when i can. When I come across some scary monster (yes, game is heavily modded) i cant even run away from it.

my sneak is so low i can't sneak past a nirn root.

should I keep doing the same thing until i'm buff? Or is there any better suggestions?

My typical combat is to hit them with an arrow first, then switch to a one handed axe with a fire spell, run backwards hitting them with fire until they get close enough i axe them in the head.

Now I can take down 1 humanoid, but its their friends I struggle with. Any tactical advice?

Try a healing spell instead of fire when it gets up close and personal. Trouble with crowds? Buy a fury spell tome. And smith up your weapons. If you take crafting too far the game can become too easy, but those grindstones are there to be used