The best thing to do would be to simply check the fuel pressure at the rail before you start it. You can simply press on the valve at the end and see if it sprays out with any great force, or use a fuel pressure gauge for better judgement.

I had a problem with the FPR on mine, but it was causing the car to throw codes for fuel trim and all sorts of strange things were going on. Pull off the vacuum line to the above-mentioned regulator (shield your eyes first...don't ask how I know!)...if fuel spurts out of it, you need to replace the regulator.

BUT if that checks out ok, it may be the check valve on your fuel pump is causing the system to lose pressure that has to build back up when you turn the key, thus causing the hard starting. Unfortunately, the check valve is a part of the whole assembly, and the whole thing must be replaced ($$$).

I have heard tell of people using an in-line check valve to splice into the fuel line. I have never used one myself, but such a device would do exactly the trick you need it to.