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A few (rather random) thoughts:
Consistency of training is very important - to improve, you really need to be training at least every other day. If you start taking more than a couple of days off from running (or other cardio-type activity), you'll start to lose fitness, so there's not much point in going out for a run on Saturday and Sunday, then not doing anything for the rest of the week...
If you're willing to put in the effort of training regularly, it is possible to improve very quickly - a goal of being able to complete an 8k by the middle of March is definitely realistic. The 'beginner' training programs (like those mentioned by Dodgerchick) are a very good place to start - starting off with 'run/walk' allows you to get in more running than you would if you just headed out of the door and ran as far as you could...
As you have a relatively limited time to prepare, it's probably a good idea to concentrate on finishing the race rather than trying to run fast. If you try to go too fast, you're more likely to pick up an injury and may end up reprising your experience from the race in October.
It's probably worth you taking a look at what you eat - not saying that you have to cut out all of the unhealthy stuff, just that you'll be able to run better if you eat the right sort of things before you run (and the right amount of time before you run!)
(While I'm not an expert, I do have a bit of experience in this area - have run three marathons, and am currently training for the London Marathon at the end of April.)
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